PC Security: Malware - Spyware and Adware
You've probably heard the term 'malware.' Malware is
any type of program that is designed to do harm, or even to cause a computer
to do something that the user has no control over, such as popping up ads.
You are probably aware of viruses, trojan horses, and worms, but pop up windows,
adware, and spyware are also considered malware. Spam could even fall into
this category.
There are essentially two types of adware. The first type is harmless, as
it is really only free software that is supported with advertisement within
that software (only when it is being used). This first type of adware is
no different than watching commercials on the television, as this is how
the television stations, or in this case the developers of the software,
are supported.
The second type is a bit more malicious. This type of adware will often monitor
your computer usage to serve targeted ads to you, without your permission.
It will often change your home page on your browser, and you may have ads
popping up unexpectedly on your computer. In fact, some people call this
spyware, because it does monitor your computer usage, but when it starts
displaying ads, it is also adware.
Spyware, of course, is much more dangerous. It isn't typically just looking
for information to serve you targeted ads. It is looking for information
that can identify you, and therefore gain access to your usernames, passwords,
and other information that can contribute to identity theft and credit card
fraud. Spyware may actually be a trojan horse, worm, or virus, in this sense.
File sharing utilities are often used as spyware. Companies such as Bear
Share and Kazaa are famous for this, and it is legal, because there is a
notice about it in the user agreement that most people agree to without reading
first.
While spyware may be harmless if it is just gathering information about your
browsing habits, it is still important to get rid of it, and to prevent it
from making its way to your hard drive. You need a good anti-spyware blocker,
and of course spyware removal software as well. Regardless of how harmless
it may be, it can very easily and quickly turn into something harmful if
computer users everywhere don't do anything to stop this unwelcome and
unwarranted intrusion!
 PC Security: Index
PC Security:
Internet Browsers
PC Security:
Spam
PC Security:
Stopping Spam Part 1
PC Security:
Stopping Spam Part 2
PC Security: Spam
Scams
PC Security:
Email Security and Spam
PC Security:
Email Security
PC Security:
Computer Viruses
PC Security:
Protecting Computers From Viruses
PC Security:
Worm Viruses
PC Security:
Trojan Horse Viruses
PC Security:
Rootkits
PC Security:
Removing a Virus
PC Security:
Virus Hoaxes
PC Security:
Server Viruses
PC Security:
Home Network
PC Security:
Cell Phone Viruses
PC Security:
Spyware
PC Security:
Firewalls Part 1
PC Security:
Firewalls Part 2
PC
Security: Parental Control Software
PC Security:
Malware - Spyware and Adware
PC Security:
Data Backups
PC Security:
Pop Up Windows
PC
Security: Safe Public Computer Use
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