Spyware Blogging And Information

Spyware

First and foremost, Spyware is not a computer virus and Spyware is not intended to crash your computer. Sometimes system crashes can or will occur, but this is counter to Spyware’s true purpose. Spyware has a greater interest in having the host remain healthy and operational. Obviously a downed computer does not provide user information, advertising value or revenue potential.

Thus, Spyware is a common term used to describe any program that gathers sensitive and personal information, as well as browsing and purchasing habits performed with your computer. Spyware, (AKA) Badware, Malware or Adware is malicious software that is installed on your computer, generally without your knowledge. However, even though a great deal of Adware gets installed without the user’s consent, oftentimes the user has inadvertently given consent for a company to collect this data. In this case, it is questionable as to whether it is Spying or Spyware. Therefore, It Is Important to carefully read online data disclosure statements before consenting.

For instance, you are searching for free software or a free music download, find it, and agree to the terms and conditions without fully understanding the Software Download Agreement. The Free Software Agents may include an End-User License Agreement that contains and states the behavior of their spyware either specifically, or in very loose terms, and with full knowledge that the user is not likely to read or understand it. This is not to pick on free downloads by any stretch, they can be very useful to the end user and not all free software is Spyware!

Where Does Spyware Come From?

Spyware can come as a program, cookie, or registry entry that will track your activity and send the data to interested parties who collect this information. This information and data can then be sold to advertisers and/or other interested parties to use. Also, Spyware installations can be initiated by visiting questionable websites, opening and viewing email, or by clicking pop-up windows.

This does not mean that all software or scripts that provide targeted ads or track your online activities are bad. In future Posts I will discuss situations that are flagged as Spyware, but in fact are just cookies that gather limited tracking information for the normal course of business.

Please remember that a good Spyware Detection and Elimination Software is required to successfully root out Spyware, Adware, Malware and Badware. Antivirus and Firewall Technologies are not designed to fully protect against Spyware alone.

Tags: Spyware //