What is Spyware?

Spyware is loosely defined as any program that secretly gathers information about you (or your computer use) through your Internet connection. Once installed, spyware programs monitor your activity on the Internet and give this information to interested parties, such as marketing firms.

Spyware can come in many different forms:

Adware

Adware displays pop-up advertisements whenever an associated program is running. Let's say, for example, that you download and install a free program from the XYZ Company. If the program came with Adware embedded within the software, every time you use that program, you could see pop-up windows advertising the XYZ Company! As well as producing unwelcome pop-up windows, Adware may also be tracking other information about you such as Web browsing habits, user names, passwords, and more.

Adware Cookies

Adware cookies allow multiple Web sites to store and access information on your computer (Web browsing habits, areas of interest, etc.). This sharing of information between Web sites allows marketing companies to create a profile based on your personal information and sell it to other firms.

System Monitors

These malicious programs are particularly dangerous, and can record almost everything you do on your computer, including email messages, chat room conversations, Web sites visited, and programs you run. They can even keep track of each individual key you press, which can help thieves snare your passwords and allow them to steal personal and financial information.

Trojan Horses

Trojan horses are malicious programs that pretend to be harmless or desirable. Their purpose is to steal or damage your computer data. Some Trojan horses allow an attacker to gain unrestricted access to your computer whenever you are online.

Spyware can also cause problems with your computer's performance. A computer overwhelmed by spyware may slow to a crawl or even a complete halt, unable to perform the simplest of functions.

Is all spyware harmful?

It is important to remember that not all programs that sound like spyware are harmful. Many are legitimate programs that help your computer or Internet experience by allowing a service provider to keep track of the needs of its customers. For example, versions of Microsoft Windows, and many other common programs, include features designed to catch system "crashes" where a program unexpectedly stops working properly. The operating system takes a quick inventory of your computer setup, a description of the feature that crashed, and what was happening when it crashed. This information is sent anonymously to program developers to help prevent crashes in future releases of the program.

Additionally, browser "cookies" can store personalized information for Web sites that you use frequently.

How does spyware enter my computer?

Spyware can invade your computer through email attachments, free software programs, or as part of another software program you download. A majority of spyware comes in through your email. As a general rule, be wary of downloading a program or attachment unless you know exactly what it is. Your computer can also get spyware by downloading software off the Internet, especially through peer-to-peer systems or freeware. It's always a good idea to take extra care to read the information that comes with the program before you download so that you can ensure that you know exactly what you are downloading. This information will often be included in the Terms and Conditions you need to accept before the program can install onto your system.