Malicious Internet Activity: Spyware

Hackers are unfortunately becoming quite clever these days. They are finding ways to create automated profile pages on networking websites, such as Facebook, to spread spyware to unsuspecting users.

Spyware is a type of malicious software (also known as malware) that is installed on computers and that collects information about users without their knowledge. Users are unaware of the presence of spyware. Normally, it is secretly installed on the user’s personal computer. Sometimes, the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer installs spyware on purpose to secretly monitor other users. Spyware is also called privacy-invasive software.

Even though the term spyware proposes the secrecy of monitoring the user’s computing. It actually goes way beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs are capable of collecting various types of personal information. This information can include: Internet surfing habits and frequently visited websites. Spyware is known to alter computer settings. This can cause slow connection speeds, different homepages, and/or loss of Internet.

Examples of Spyware

HuntBar
Internet Optimizer
CoolWebSearch
Movieland
MyWebSearch
Zlob Trojan
Zango (formerly 180 Solutions)
WeatherStudio

The response to the emergence of spyware lies within a small industry dealing in anti-spyware software. Anti-spyware software has developed to remove or block spyware. Many jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which target any software that is secretly installed to control a user’s computer.

Anti-Spyware Software

Symantec
McAfee
Sophos

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