Believe it. If you've ever had adware on your computer, chances are that you actually signed a disclaimer allowing this dangerous and annoying software to set up roost on your prized PC.
If you've ever downloaded software onto your computer -- or even signed up an account online -- you'll instantly recognise the End User License Agreement. That's that long, often capitalized and always boring panel of text that you have to accept before you can move to the next step in the installation process. Now that we know what the EULA is, let's have a reality check: can you honestly say that you've read every phrase in every EULA you've ever accepted? Maybe you've skimmed over the top of a few of them? Maybe you haven't read a single word before accepting?
If this sounds true, then don't feel too bad. Even though the EULA is in actual fact a legal document and by clicking 'Accept' you're basically inking your signature, the research tells us that very few people actually read the EULA in its entirety. Malware developers are keenly aware of this fact and a disturbing practice of actually stating the devious intent of the malware in the EULA has developed over recent history.
This practise is most commonly associated with advertisment supported freeware, from everything from game sites to browser add-on packs to adult orientated subscription-based websites. The trade is simple: we give you the software that you want, and you give us permission to serve you countless annoying popup ads that will test your sanity and suck the performance right out of your PC. Oh, and by the way: we'll also monitor your browsing history and send it back to a ex-Soviet bloc IP address.
Sounds like a fair trade?
The remedy to this is simple. Read every EULA before you click 'Accept'!
If the thought of reading every phrase in every EULA sends you to sleep, I don't blame you. That's why I want to give you access to a great free tool that analyzes every phrase in any EULA at a click of a button.
I'll share this tool with you, along with four other great security tools that you've never heard of before just by signing up to the Malware Threat HQ mailing list. Best thing is that these tools are completely free! You can sign up to the mailing list by clicking here.
Once you're signed up, you'll also receive great articles, free tools and the tips that the pros use to keep their online identities safe.
Malware infection is incredibly wide spread. Whether or not you think you may have been infected with malware, it is best practise to scan your computer regularly for malware threats. At Malware Threat HQ you can download the best malware scanner available on the Internet today -- for free.
To learn everything that you need to know about keeping you and your family safe from malware, please visit us at Malware Threat HQ.
Cheers, and Safe Surfing!
Chris Brown
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