Spyware

Spyware

Definition:

The term spyware is used to describe any computer technology that gathers information about a person or organization without their knowledge or consent. Spyware can be installed on a computer through several covert means, including as part of a software virus or as the result of adding a new program. Note that the terms spyware, stealware, and adware are sometimes used to describe the same or similar types of malicious code.

Spyware is used to gather information such as recorded keystrokes (passwords), a list of Web sites visited by the user, or applications and operating systems that are installed on the computer. Spyware can also collect names, credit card numbers, and other personal information. It is usually placed on a computer to gather information about a user that is later sold to advertisers and other interested parties. The information gathered by spyware is often combined with other databases to create profiles of individuals, families, work groups, or even entire companies.

Unlike viruses and worms, spyware does not usually self-replicate. Like many recent viruses; however, spyware—by design—exploits infected computers for commercial gain. Typical tactics furthering this goal include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites.

How to handle: using anti-spyware

Common anti-spyware

- Commercial:

Lavasoft AdAware (full version)

PC Tools’ Spyware Doctor (full version)

- Free:

Spybot – Search & Destroy (all features free for non-commercial use)

Grisoft AVG Anti Spyware

SpywareTerminator

Microsoft Windows Defender

Lavasoft AdAware (limited functions)

Resource:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware

Other various resources found from the internet

~ by Pandu on May 5, 2008.