It looks like removal of spyware will remain as a major preoccupation for computer users. A recent study by an international provider of IT security solutions showed that spyware distribution has increased by 11 percent during the first quarter of this year. This significant increase in circulating spyware was attributed to efforts at saturating laboratories, and as a result, infect more PCs.

It was also reported that the spyware Virtumonde, also called Vundo, emerged as the top threat for the 2009 first quarter. The growth of the menacing activities of Vundo is likely the product of the improvements in its virulence. Adopting some characteristics of the equally virulent adware, Vundo brings PC user headaches in terms of internet movement monitoring, search engine results rigging, displaying pop-ups and other advertising banners. PC security utilities, such as those of Microsoft, Symantec and PC Tools, cannot completely eradicate some Vundo versions. There is much difficulty in combating the spyware because it infects with a randomly file named .dll (dynamic link library), the Windows' lsass.exe (local security authority subsystem service), as well as rootkit and Internet Explorer.

Vigilance would be the best defense against spyware attacks, and the computer user should always be on the guard for tell-tale signs of such a diabolical invasion. These bad omens include sluggish PC performance, unexpected desktop or system tray icons, constant pop-ups, repeated or abrupt changes in the home page, malfunctioning keys, random error notifications, and a wayward browser accessing undesired, strange sites.

The most logical step to take when these spyware machinations is detected is to refrain from using the internet for shopping, banking and other finance-related activities. The spyware may be able to detect sensitive information from these online transactions such as ID and credit card numbers or bank PINs. As extra precaution, the computer may be put on lockdown. This can be simply accomplished by disconnecting the computer from the internet. With the disconnection, the spyware controllers will be unable to remotely access or control the infected PC.

Without delay, it has to be ensured that the computer system is equipped with tools for the removal of spyware. The minimum requirements would be anti-spyware program, anti-virus and a firewall. Commercial products bundling these tools into one package are available, although these can also be purchased individually. But be sure that the security tools being purchased are from reputable sources.

Researching from reviews of reliable anti-spyware products would be most helpful. Some scammers distribute fake anti-spyware tools for free online, and thus, it is very important to separate the bogus from the real. If the PC security system is satisfactorily updated, the computer must be scanned at once for spyware and viruses. Every item that the tools for removal of spyware have identified as a problem should be deleted. Oftentimes, for the desired changes to take effect, the computer has to be restarted. If the spyware problem persists, it may be necessary to install a second anti-spyware program.

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