What is Spyware?
Also called Malware, Crimeware, Trackware, Badware and Scumware, Spyware is programming that is installed in a computer to gather information about the user secretly and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Generally, Spyware is any potentially unwanted software that could disrupt computer usage, and is installed without the user's knowledge. In keeping with emergent industry standards, the word "Spyware" refers to potentially unwanted software that is non-viral in nature. Spyware includes the following behavior that is illegal under existing law - Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45 - as an unfair or deceptive act or practice. - Gathering information from a user's computer without knowledge OR consent;
- Reporting the information to the creator of the software or to one or more third parties;
- Is installed on a user's computer without having given adequate notice to the user;
- Providing the user with little or no control over removing the software.
This type of software typically performs one or more of the following stealth activities: - Changes system settings. Hijackers can alter the settings of a browser to change the user's homepage. They can also alter the Search page, Favorites menu and system registry.
- Installs unauthorized dialers. Dialers are programs that install themselves in a user' dial-up settings and dial numbers without the user's knowledge. Once dialer software is downloaded, the user is disconnected from his/her Internet Service Provider, another phone number is dialed and the user is billed for the time used. Dialers are malicious in nature and can rack up expensive and unwanted bills. They usually connect to expensive pay-per-minute numbers that offer potentially offensive content.
- Installs keyloggers. Keyloggers monitor the user's Web use and enable others to capture information entered via keyboards, such as passwords, logins, account numbers and other personal identifiers.
- Collects and reports user's personal information to the developer of the software or to one or more third parties.
- Uses computer processing capacity without permission.
- Delivers spam or ads without user's notice and consent.
Spyware is most readily detected by its symptoms. Symptoms of Spyware infection include: slowed computer performance, frequent Pop-up advertising and a homepage other than the one selected by the user. How does Spyware get on my computer?
Spyware can get into a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program. Originally, information collected by Spyware was sold to advertisers and providers of online services. Increasingly, much of the information logged by Spyware is being used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Whereas viruses attempt to make their presence as noticeable as possible, the most effective Spyware embeds itself and carries out its work in stealth. The longer it remains undetected, the more information it can transmit to its creator. How do I remove Spyware from my computer?
If you have Spyware on your computer, more than likely, it has embedded itself in your system; making it very difficult to remove manually. Fortunately, there are plenty of Anti-Spyware software applications ready to do the work for you. InternetSecurityZone.com does not verify the degree to which all products listed on this site are effective against potentially unwanted software. The exception to this is STOPzilla, which we recommend strongly. Click here to download STOPzilla and remove Spyware from your computer now. Click here to view our list of recommended Spyware Removal software. |