Spyware
From Saferpedia
Spyware is a kind of malware that once installed collects information about users without their knowledge. Spyware presence on the computer us usually hidden for users.
Spyware can collect all kind of personal information like internet surfing habits and visited sites. Spyware changes computers settings resulting in low transfer speed on the internet, changes the browser's start page, etc..
As a response to spyware attacks appeared a small industry operating with anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software became a very practical especially for those using Windows OS.
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History and development
According to a study realized in 2005 by AOL and National Cyber-Security Alliance 61% users are infected with a form of spyware. 92% reported they didn't know about spyware's presence and 91% reported they did not allow spyware applications to install.
Starting with 2006 spyware became one of the main threats for computers running on Windows OS. Computers running IE as default web browser are the most vulnerable to such attacks not only because IE is the most used browser but because it is strongly integrated in the OS an it's possible to access essential components of the OS.
Before IE7 was launched browser showed automatically a window asking to install any ActiveX component. So by combining user's naivete and browser's presumption that any ActiveX component must be installed led to massive spread of spyware.
Trend Micro Inc. defines spyware as being the software to monitor and collect user information for various purposes. McAfee Inc. defines spyware as being the software to send special information to a third party without users knowledge or agreement.
Comparisons
Spyware, adware and tracking
The adware terms often refers to any software showing commercials whether user agreed or not. Most adware is a kind of spyware in an other form than "advertising supported by software".
Spyware, virus and worm
Unlike viruses and worms, spyware does not auto-replicate. Although as many recent viruses spyware exploits infected computers for commercial purposes.
Ways to infect
There are malicious sites trying to infect visitors' computers with spyware.
Most spyware is installed without user's knowledge. Spyware distributors present their program as a very useful tool for example a web accelerator or help agent software.
Also spyware may be included or attached to other programs.
Prevention
There are various software designed to remove or block spyware if you computer got infected. However, spyware remains an expensive issue.
This term is in development.
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