 One generally agreed upon definition states that Spyware is software that tracks your personal information and transmits that information to third parties, (likely) without your consent.
Spyware collects personal information (including credit card numbers, PIN's, and passwords), and can change the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. Spyware often installs itself alongside with software that you want to install on your PC, so read the fine print before you click 'next' or 'I agree'. How many times have you clicked on the "I agree" without first reading the fine print?
You might have spyware or other unwanted software on your computer and not even know it.
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Symptoms of Spyware or Adware include the following: |
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You see pop-up advertisements even when you're surfing the Web. |
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The browser home page, or search settings have suddenly changed and won't reset to your preferred settings |
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You notice a new toolbar in your browser that you didn't install, and find it difficult to get remove |
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Your computer takes longer than usual to normal tasks. |
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You computer freezes or crashes on an increasing frquency |
Adware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, That does not mean all software which provides ads or tracks your online activities is bad. For example, you might sign up for a free music service, but "pay" for the service by agreeing to receive targeted ads. If you understand the terms and agree to them, you may have decided that it is a fair tradeoff. In doing so, you have also agreed to let the company track your online activities to determine which ads to show you.
Malware is unwanted software that will makes annoying changes to your computer, and can cause your computer slow down, or even crash. These programs can also change your Web browser's home page or search page. Malware can add additional components to your browser you don't need or want
and worst of all they can even record your credit card numbers, personal identification numbers, and any stored passwords, known as keylogging. If you use dial-up to connect to the Internet, Malware can be used to call and charge 900 and overseaas calls to your phone bill. These programs also make it very difficult for you to change your settings back to the way you originally had them. These types of unwanted programs are also, sometimes called spyware.
There are a number of ways that Spyware, Adware, or Malware can be installed on your computer. A common trick is to covertly install the software during the installation of other software you want such as a music or video file sharing (P2P) program. Whenever you are installing software on your computer, make sure you carefully read all disclosures, including the license agreement and privacy statement. Malware included in a given software installation process is sometimes documented, but it may only appear at the end of a license agreement or privacy statement.
Malware can also simply take advantage of current security vulnerabilities and security holes to load themselves, and can also be used as a transport for more vicious trojan horse, or backdoor software known as viruses.
Anti-adware software is just as important as your anti-virus software now.
Related:
Spyware IS Everywhere
Spyware: Public Enemy #1
Adware Primer
Internet Cookies
Avoiding a Phishing Attack
Pharming for Your Identity
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