Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Often quickly installed in your computer in combination with a free download you selected from the Web, spyware transmits information in the background as you move around the Web. Also known as "parasite software," "scumware," "junkware" and "thiefware," spyware is occasionally installed just by visiting a Web site (see drive-by download).
It Might Even Tell You It's Spyware
The license agreement that everyone accepts without reading may actually state that you are installing spyware and explain what it does. For example, it might say that the program performs anonymous profiling, which means that your habits are being recorded, not you individually. Such software is used to create marketing profiles; for example, people who go to Web site "A" often go to site "B" and so on. Spyware may deliver competing products in real time. For example, if you go to a Web page and look for a minivan, an ad for a competitor's vehicle might pop up (see adware).
Spyware Is Focused
Merchants place ads with spyware advertisers because they feel their promotions are focused. In fact, many feel that the Internet has opened up the most intelligent marketing system the world has ever seen. Merchants say they are targeting prospects who are really interested in their products, and spyware vendors argue that as long as they treat users anonymously, they are not violating privacy.
There are also spyware programs that keep changing the home page in the browser to a particular Web site or just keep popping up ads all the time (see adware). Nevertheless, once you detect spyware, it can be eliminated, albeit with difficulty sometimes.
Spyware blockers can detect an invasion of spyware into your computer and have become as popular as antivirus programs. See PUP, spyware blocker, adware, snoopware, parasite and spam.
Spyware Vs. Viruses
Since spyware and adware are unwanted software, it would seem that antivirus software should detect spyware and adware as well as viruses and Trojans. Although some security suites provide all these capabilities, antispyware and antivirus modules are typically separate functions.
Perhaps, it evolved in different camps because the intent of the software is different. Virus writers want to be exposed to the world at large so they can one-up their peers, the "xyz virus contaminated 100 million computers" type of glory. On the other hand, spyware writers want their software to remain hidden and perform their tasks for months to come.
However, Trojans are viruses that are designed to remain hidden in the computer as well, so the two philosophies do overlap. Perhaps, in time, a new category of "anti-insanity" software will take care of all of it.
It Might Even Tell You It's Spyware
The license agreement that everyone accepts without reading may actually state that you are installing spyware and explain what it does. For example, it might say that the program performs anonymous profiling, which means that your habits are being recorded, not you individually. Such software is used to create marketing profiles; for example, people who go to Web site "A" often go to site "B" and so on. Spyware may deliver competing products in real time. For example, if you go to a Web page and look for a minivan, an ad for a competitor's vehicle might pop up (see adware).
Spyware Is Focused
Merchants place ads with spyware advertisers because they feel their promotions are focused. In fact, many feel that the Internet has opened up the most intelligent marketing system the world has ever seen. Merchants say they are targeting prospects who are really interested in their products, and spyware vendors argue that as long as they treat users anonymously, they are not violating privacy.
There are also spyware programs that keep changing the home page in the browser to a particular Web site or just keep popping up ads all the time (see adware). Nevertheless, once you detect spyware, it can be eliminated, albeit with difficulty sometimes.
Spyware blockers can detect an invasion of spyware into your computer and have become as popular as antivirus programs. See PUP, spyware blocker, adware, snoopware, parasite and spam.
Spyware Vs. Viruses
Since spyware and adware are unwanted software, it would seem that antivirus software should detect spyware and adware as well as viruses and Trojans. Although some security suites provide all these capabilities, antispyware and antivirus modules are typically separate functions.
Perhaps, it evolved in different camps because the intent of the software is different. Virus writers want to be exposed to the world at large so they can one-up their peers, the "xyz virus contaminated 100 million computers" type of glory. On the other hand, spyware writers want their software to remain hidden and perform their tasks for months to come.
However, Trojans are viruses that are designed to remain hidden in the computer as well, so the two philosophies do overlap. Perhaps, in time, a new category of "anti-insanity" software will take care of all of it.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Which antivirus is best at removing malware?
- Run a Linux distro or a MacIt is funny, when you 'weld' a web_browserinto an operating system and viruses/worms/malware/trojans and spyware come in from outside sources it is amazing how insecureit makes an Operating System.Say what you will, Linux distro's power theInternet with Bind dns, dhcp, routers/switchesand they do not...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Open source needs successful champions
- Open Source powers the Internet period!Open_Source powers the ENTIRE Internet withrouters/switches/servers you name it like Microsoft sitting behind caching Linux distroname servers.Now you tell me what does it need now???It is the FUTURE of smart devices, appliancedriven infrastructure, just like VMware using a Linux derived kernel and it is #1...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-05
- Max Spyware Threat Definition 16.0.1.996 (Windows)
- Max Secure Spyware Detector is a complete solution for individuals, professionals and home users. The software is specially designed to scan, detect, delete and recover spyware with an option of quick and full scan.This software is also powered by some advanced features that are similar to our corporate edition like,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- OneClick Spyware Expert 1.17.1 (Windows)
- OneClick spyware expert is an easy-to-use and effective anti-spyware scanner. It uses modern sophisticated anti-malware techniques and can reveal even most complicated types of viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, and malware. Using advanced heuristic technologies Spyware expert can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known anti-virus and...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- Trend Micro Virus Controlled Pattern File 6.606.06 (Windows)
- Trend Micro Pattern File contains Virus Pattern Files with latest virus databases. The Official Pattern Release or OPR is Trend Micro's latest compilation of patterns for identified viruses.Trend Micro offers various types of Pattern Files to protect customers from Malware, Spyware/Grayware, and other threats. It is guaranteed to have passed...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- Stop Software Installation Tool 3.1.1.22 (Windows)
- I do not approve of some of the programs or games that my child installs on my computer. Also I can not even control him to prevent software installation. What can I do?. How many times we heard this question from parents. Without good preventative measures, children can bring a...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- ZoneAlarm Pro 2010 9.1.008 (Windows)
- No anti-virus or anti-spyware product is 100% effective, so ZoneAlarm invented the OS Firewall. The OS Firewall monitors behaviors within your computer to spot and stop even the most sophisticated new attacks that bypass traditional anti-virus and security suites. New Advanced Access Protection - specifically defeats new, advanced attacks that...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- A-squared Anti-Malware 4.5.0.27a (Windows)
- A-squared Anti-Malware uses two full scan engines in the battle against Viruses, Trojans/Backdoors, Spyware/Adware, Worms/Bots, Keyloggers, Dialers and all other types of Malware that are waiting on the internet. But there is no doubling of the scan duration as it would be the case with two separate scanning programs. Considerable...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- Congress may require ISPs to block fraud sites
- It`s About Time!they should block and prosecute those sites that send and try to install virus/spyware throught peoples computers.they should loose their internet connection right way,and have their name/info somewhere in a database, that a ISP can check before they can sign up for a internet service.DOING that i`m sure...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-04
- Music MP3 Downloader 2.6.5.2 (Windows)
- Music MP3 Downloader is easy-to-use software which enables you to search and download over 100 million MP3 from the largest music network. It is not a Peer-to-Peer program and it is 100% clean of any form of badware (viruses, spyware, adware). Music MP3 Downloader always brings you the hottest songs...
- Software downloads 2009-11-04
- Soulseek 157 NS 13e (Windows)
- Soulseek is an ad-free, spyware-free, file-sharing application dedicated predominantly to the free trade of electronic music and the promotion of unsigned artists. Search for and share all kinds of files, including MP3s. It also includes chat rooms, and it features a buddy list for your favorite users.
- Software downloads 2009-11-04
- Spyware Process Detector 3.2 (Windows)
- Spyware Process Detector is an anti-spyware tool that will detect all processes running on the computer and display their threat rating based on the intelligent analysis of all hidden properties. Another specialty of the program is its ability to detect a process that contains and executes alien code of another...
- Software downloads 2009-11-03
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2010 9.1.008 (Windows)
- ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is an essential antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection for your PC. The OSFirewall monitors changes within your computer to spot and stop new attacks that bypass traditional anti-virus protection. The Advanced Download Protection analyzes browser downloads in three unique ways before they can infect your PC...
- Software downloads 2009-11-02
- VirIT eXplorer Lite 6.5.12 (Windows)
- VirIT eXplorer Lite is an anti-virus/anti-spyware for Windows. Clean your computer from viruses, root kit, spyware, worms, trojans, backdoor, dialers, BHO Browser Helper Object, adware, hijacker, fraud tool and malware software. The features of VirIT eXplorer Lite are: real time intrusion detection system, sort startup programs by date, scan and...
- Software downloads 2009-11-02
- Startup Guard 3.14 (Windows)
- PrivacyRoot Startup Guard is a free, easy tool to choose programs to allow to run on Windows startup. You can specify approved applications, close unwanted or find more about unknown. Startup Guard catches new startup records, so you can even remove a virus or spyware. You can disable unwanted system...
- Software downloads 2009-11-02
- SpywareFighter 3.1.74 (Windows)
- SpywareFighter is built to protect your PC against spyware, adware, and other unwanted software. SpywareFighter uses a security technology that prevents windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC will be detected and removed. This reduces negative effects caused by spyware, including slow PC...
- Software downloads 2009-11-01
- Sophos Anti-Virus 7.1.0 (Mac)
- Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac OS X, part of Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection, has been engineered to provide complex, multi-platform networks with totally reliable protection on Macintosh servers, desktops and laptops. Our powerful Sophos malware detection engine scans all entry points and also detects non-Mac viruses that could be...
- Software downloads 2009-11-01
- Auto Shutdown 0.8.8(23) (Windows)
- Auto Shutdown helps you to schedule Windows shut down and define global keyboard shortcuts for different shut down actions (turn off, restart, log off, stand by & hibernate). Auto Shutdown does not install any Ad ware or Spyware. Auto Shutdown lets you to define different type of time schedules. Auto...
- Software downloads 2009-11-01
- Malware Defender 2.4.3 (Windows)
- Malware Defender is a HIPS Host Intrusion Prevention System with firewall. It is effective to protect your computer system from all forms of malware (viruses, worms, trojans, adware, spyware, keyloggers, rootkits). Malware Defender is also an advanced rootkit detector. It provides many useful tools that can be used to detect...
- Software downloads 2009-10-31
- Shareaza 2.5 (Windows)
- Shareaza has unique features, including ghost ratings, a completely user-configurable queue area, and multinetwork support. The program started as a Gnutella client but recently branched out and developed Gnutella2, a completely open and documented network. Shareaza's interface is easy to use, yet powerful and fully skinnable. Shareaza's download core was...
- Software downloads 2009-10-31
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
Popular Sanity Saver Videos
