2. What is spyware?
With so many types of malicious software being
spread around the Internet, it is important to be
aware of what spyware is and what spyware
does. Spyware is a general term used to
describe software that performs certain
behaviors, generally without appropriately
obtaining your consent first, such as:
Advertising
Collecting personal information
Changing the configuration of your computer
Spyware is often associated with software that
displays advertisements (called adware) or
3. pes of spyware
Spyware is any software that obtains information from a PC
without the user’s knowledge. There are many different
types of spyware operating on the Internet but you can
generally group them into two categories: Domestic
Spyware and Commercial Spyware.
Domestic Spyware is software that is usually purchased
and installed by computer owners to monitor the Internet
behavior on their computer networks. Employers use this
software to monitor employee online activities; some family
members use domestic spyware to monitor other family
members (such as reviewing the content of children’s chat
room sessions).
A third party can also install domestic spyware without the
knowledge of the computer owner. Law enforcement
officials have used domestic spyware to monitor suspected
criminal activity and criminals have used domestic
4. Commercial Spyware (also known as adware) is software
that companies use to track your Internet browsing activities.
Companies that track your online habits often sell this
information to marketers who then hit you with targeted
advertising—ads that match your browsing interests and
would most likely appeal to you.
Advertisers are delighted when they acquire such valuable
marketing information so easily; in the past marketers had to
bribe you to learn your preferences through contests,
registration surveys and the like. Those methods of gaining
your personal information still exist, but in those cases you
have the power to read the fine print to learn the fate of
your data and so could choose to consent or refuse.
Gaining your preferences by stealth using software spies is
far easier and offers a much more complete picture for the
marketing industry; as a result, spyware is everywhere. For
more information on how and when spyware attaches itself
to your computer, read
5. hat does spyware do
Knowing what spyware does can be a very
difficult process because most spyware is
designed to be difficult to remove. Other kinds of
spyware make changes to your computer that
can be annoying and can cause your computer
slow down or crash.
These programs can change your web browser's
home page or search page, or add additional
components to your browser you don't need or
want. They also make it very difficult for you to
change your settings back to the way you had
them.
6. How to prevent spyware
Whenever you install something on your computer,
make sure you carefully read all disclosures,
including the license agreement and privacy
statement. Sometimes the inclusion of unwanted
software in a given software installation is
documented, but it might appear at the end of a
license agreement or privacy statement.
