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Are you worried about privacy and security online? Could you be a victim of Identity Theft? Spyware
What is spyware?
Explanation :: Detection :: Solution :: Prevention
Spyware is a type of software that can install advertising, collect personal information, or change your computer's configuration, without your consent (or even your knowledge). Whilst not all software that does this is bad it is important to know the difference between that which you agree to and that which has installed itself on your system covertly.
The majority of spyware is adware. The purpose of an adware program is to capture so-called “anonymous” data for targeted advertising. Adware is usually just an annoyance, but in some cases can cause greater difficulties. The less common second classification of spyware programs is called malware. Malware is any program designed to cause problems with the normal use of a computer or for the user of that computer. Examples of malware include viruses, Trojan horse programs, and certain forms of hijacking spyware. These forms of spyware are written to collect personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers for identity theft and fraud. Many of these can change default program settings to allow an attacker access to the computer, or monitor a user's keystrokes to gain information. The information is then sent off to the attacker to use as they see fit.
Why spyware is used
Spyware can be a very good marketing tool. Companies which produce spyware gain lucrative contracts from many companies for the service they provide. Targeted advertisements are very effective. Because the applications target users of a particular site, they can be helpful to the users of that site by directing them to other, similar sites and services. Unfortunately, like most other things online, it is easily abused. This aggravates users; some feel that they are under attack, and others are offended by some of the materials that appear in pop-ups from adware and spyware. Over-reaching advertisements don’t benefit the advertiser either. If no one clicks on the pop-up, the advertiser is wasting advertising dollars.