Spyware is a type of malware that secretly collects user information without their knowledge and is particularly prevalent on computers using Internet Explorer. Unlike viruses, spyware does not self-replicate and often coexists with multiple other spyware programs that may also display advertisements. Various countermeasures, including anti-spyware programs and security practices, have emerged to combat the spyware threat.

1. What is SPY WARE
Is it dangerous ?
Spyware is a type of malware that
install in a computer, and then
collects small pieces of information
about users without their
knowledge.
It is hidden from the
user.
The first recorded use of the term
spyware occurred on 16 October
1995 in a Usenet post that poked
fun at Microsoft's business model.
Computers on which Internet Explorer (IE) is the primary
browser are particularly vulnerable to such attacks, because its
tight integration with Windows allows spyware
access to crucial parts of the operating system.
FACTS .............
FACTS .............
S Unlike viruses and worms, spyware does
P not usually self-replicate.
Y
Spyware can be dropped as a payload by
a worm.
W
A spyware program is rarely alone on a
computer.They are in multiples.
A
Many spyware programs display
advertisements.
R
Spyware has been used to surreptitiously
monitor electronic activities of partners.
E
Unauthorized access to a computer is
illegal under computer crime laws.
Web advertisers sometime try to track
browsing activity, as spyware.
As the spyware threat has worsened, a number of techniques
have emerged to counteract it.
Anti-spyware
programs Security practices
They provide real time Install a web browser
protection against the other than IE.
installation of spyware
Use firewalls and
software on the
web proxies.
computer.
Some users install a
They are also used large hosts file which
solely for detection and prevents the user's
removal of spyware computer from
software that has connecting to known
already been installed spyware-related web
onto the computer. addresses.
Infographic by:
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware
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