What is Spyware?
The official definition of spyware, as defined by the
ASC (Anti-Spyware Coalition), is:
Technologies deployed without appropriate user consent and/or implemented in ways that impair user control over:
- Material changes that affect their user experience, privacy, or system security;
- Use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; and/or
- Collection, use, and distribution of their personal or other sensitive information.
To put it more simply, spyware is a computer program that gathers information about a user without that user's knowledge, or performs some sort of activity on a user's computer without the user's knowledge or permission. Spyware can be broken down into two separate categories. The first is surveillance software such as key loggers, screen capture devices, and Trojans. The next is advertising spyware that is usually installed without your knowledge or explained in such a way that you do not know it is spyware.
Why is spyware harmful to you and your computer?
Depending upon which type of spyware is on your computer this "spyware agent" may be performing different tasks such as:
- Malware which can modify your computer's system settings and perform tasks on your computer that are undesirable.
- Browser hijackers will redirect your browser to other websites that you would not normally visit.
- Dialer agents actually dial up a service and you will be billed for the telephone call,
- Trojan horses will also perform unwanted tasks on your computer, redirecting you to undesirable websites and allowing others access to your computer to do whatever damage they please.
- The collectware agent will collect all information about you and all your surfing habits.
- Adware can be used to log your personal information such as your name, address, age, passwords, email addresses, web surfing history, online purchases, and any information you type into a form, such as credit card numbers.
Some of these programs, whether they are called spyware, malware or adware, can install DLLs and other files that will send data to the company that installed the software. This can also leave your computer open to hackers.
These spyware programs can disable your uninstall abilities, monitor your keystrokes as you type, access files on your drive, disable your applications, reset your browser's homepage and display advertising content which you did not request. They may also be able to access and delete files and even reformat your entire hard drive.
Spyware Watch is dedicated to helping you keep watch over spyware and browser hijackers, stop adware, and find malware removers, by providing you with the product reviews, news, and information you need to counteract this malicious problem.
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