Spyware

     Spyware, what is it and what can you do about it?

     The term Spyware is used to describe software that literally spies on your activities whilst you use your computer.  It can occur whilst you are either online or offline.

     This kind of program is grouped together with another kind of software known as Adware and the two of these types of program are collectively called Malware.

     Malware is any program designed to interfere with the normal use of a computer, or for the user of that computer.  Some examples of malware include viruses, Trojan Horse programs, and certain forms of hijacking Spyware.

     Spyware is a constant problem that pretty much all people have heard about, but they do not really understand what it is or does.  If you do not understand Spyware, then potentially you have a serious problem because you probably have Spyware somewhere on your computer.

     Spyware is not illegal in and of itself, but some argue that it ought to be, because, besides reporting on what web sites you visit, it also has the capacity to record and report a log of your keystrokes and the documents you work on.

     You should also know that Spyware is not considered to be a virus, so your Anti-Virus software won't spring in to action once an infection takes place - it will stay sleeping in the background, unaware that anything malicious is going on.  The Spyware program hides on your computer, usually without your knowledge and without you knowing how it got there.

     Spyware is a breach of personal privacy because users are usually unaware that spyware packages have been installed, or that their private data is being intercepted by a third party.  Spyware is mostly associated with bundled applications that track sensitive personal information about you and your PC. 

     What usually happens is that each Spyware installation has a tracking number/unit which transmits information about your PC, as well as how it is being utilized, back to the person/s who were responsible for its creation.

     Spyware can be used for collecting information about your computer's hardware and software configuration, your web surfing and online buying habits, and personal information including your name, age and gender.

     But of course, Spyware is now getting more malicious as well.  Newer versions are being used to transmit e-mail addresses for spamming, share your personal information (passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card information, and banking details etc.), increasing your risk for fraud, Identity Theft, and other privacy issues.

     Malware may be the more severe form of this type of software, and the designation means that the intrusion into a system has malicious intent.  When the intent is of a criminal nature, we now hear the term crimeware used to describe it.

     Viruses are capable of self replication and can cause severe damages to your computer files, registry or even hardware.  On the other hand, Spyware does not harm your computer intentionally.

     Using the Internet is the main place to infect systems with Spyware, and hence one must use all the precautions ranging from firewall activation to anti-Spyware programmes so that the Spyware can be prevented from infecting the system.

     An indication that you have been infected by Spyware or Adware, is the occurrence of browser hijackers, dialers, and other undesirable nuisances such as popups appearing on your computer.

     Installing anti-spyware on your computer is the solution. but remember to keep updating it religiously to keep your computer system free of Spyware.