All about Spyware

All about Spyware


These are programs secretly placed on your PC that gather information about you (such as your surfing habits, what other software you have on your PC, etc.) without your knowledge or consent. Spyware is mostly used by online or software companies for spam marketing purposes.

Spyware sends information from your computer to a third party, usually as part of an advertising-supported software product. Spyware has become a generic term for the types of nuisances often referred to as 'adware', 'key loggers', 'malware', 'phishing attacks' and 'snoopware'. Not all spyware will actually spy on you, but it may instead pop up an advertisement or redirect your Internet searches.

Most spyware makers want information about your surfing habits to enable them to target pop-up advertisements or redirect you to paid advertisements where they benefit financially. In many cases, spyware violates your privacy even further by transmitting your personal information or key strokes without you knowing.

Where does spyware come from?
  • Spyware is often bundled with free software. Usually without you knowing, you accept to also install a pop-up advertising service they provide.
  • Websites which require you to install an application before you use their site.
  • Spyware makers also exploit security holes using trojan horses, viruses, insecure websites, and spam.
  • Software which looks legitimate but secretly installs spyware on your computer.

Some of the worst spyware products are key loggers. These pieces of software secretly install themselves, record your keystrokes, and then transmit them to criminals and con artists. So if you're busy typing lots of confidential information, someone else could also be viewing that information.