Since spyware and adware constantly transmit the information from the computers, it is important to remove them to keep the computer and data secure.  In addition, the loopholes created by these spywares leave computers and data vulnerable to the intruders.  All this makes it of utmost importance to have a proper spyware detection and removal mechanism.

There are many ways by which a user can protect the computer from spywares.  The most effective way to secure a computer against spyware programs are firewalls.  Firewalls control everything that a computer transmits and receives. They are software systems that allow a user to secure their system. Another way of detecting spywares is the use of packet sniffers.  Packet sniffers are programs that capture network packets.  These utilities can show the packet's header information that includes source and destination IP addresses, which are shown in both hexadecimal and plain text helping the users in monitoring the outbound packets from their computers.

After detecting a spyware or an adware, it's important to remove them. If you have already been hijacked, the following list of software will help get rid of the hijacking software, unless it is fairly recent:�  

Ad-aware is a multi adware removal utility which scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known adware components and lets you remove them safely. With its ability to comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known data-mining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware will provide the user with the confidence to surf the Internet knowing that their privacy will remain intact.

Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot can also clean program and web usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer with other users.  Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. And for advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware or malicious program installations. The handy online update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listing of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.

Internet Cleanup 3.0, from Aladdin Systems, protects your Internet privacy by erasing your Internet data trail and permanently removing tracking devices left on your computer by websites you have visited. Internet Cleanup also gets rid of all privacy-risking files and tracking devices and adds pop-up and banner ad blocking.

Spy Remover 5.0, from Rizal Software Developers, is the free multi-spyware removal tool that protects your privacy. The software also detects and safely removes spyware and advertising trojans from your system.

Aluria's Spyware Eliminator� protects you from the Spyware epidemic. While anti-virus software guards you from viruses, it does not prevent Spyware from attacking your computer. Aluria's Spyware Eliminator not only detects and removes Spyware, Adware and Keyloggers from your computer, it also actively blocks Spyware and Adware when your computer is under assault.

BPS Spyware and Adware Remover� is a multi Adware, SpyWare, Trackware, Thiefware & Big Brotherware removal utility with multi-language support.  It scans your memory (for active memory ad components, which are not stored on your hard drive and last only as long as the computer is powered up), registry and hard drives for known SpyWare parasites and scumware components and lets you remove them safely -- even ad component DLLs.