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) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- News to know: Microsoft; Psystar; Mozilla; Storm; Office 2.0
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- Blog posts 2008-11-19
- Commercial vendor of spyware under legal fire
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- Blog posts 2008-11-18
- Microsoft kills OneCare, replaces it with freebie 'Morro'
- Microsoft today announced plans to kill its Windows Live OneCare PC care and security suite and replace it with a free anti-malware utility. The new product, code-named "Morro," will be designed for a smaller footprint that will use fewer computing resources, making it ideal for low-bandwidth scenarios...
- Blog posts 2008-11-18
- Google fixes critical XSS vulnerability
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- Blog posts 2008-11-12
- AVG and Rising signatures update detects Windows files as malware
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- Blog posts 2008-11-11
- News to know: Windows 7; Google; iPhone; Storm; iLife patch
- Here are today's notable headlines. You can get News To Know via email alert and RSS daily: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes: Windows 7 - The "Blue Badge" experience. Gallery right Michael Krigsman: Sixteen IT failures to remember Garett Rogers: Google makes the blogosphere...
- Blog posts 2008-11-11
- CNET Download.com not so 'spyware-free'
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- Discussion threads 2008-11-10
- CNET Download.com not so 'spyware-free'
- On its home page, CNET's Download.com promises that all software available on the site "has been tested to ensure it's 100% free of spyware, viruses, and other malware." Unfortunately, there appears to be a kink in the system that allows the display of a known adware program called...
- Blog posts 2008-11-10
- ThreatFire AntiVirus Free Edition (exe)
- ThreatFire is unlike traditional antivirus products that rely on old fashioned "signature" technology and require updating every time a new threat occurs. ThreatFire's patent-pending ActiveDefense technology provides powerful protection against zero-day and emerging threats. It constantly monitors for both known and unknown viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, buffer overflows, spyware, adware...
- Software downloads 2008-11-06
- First look at "Porn Mode" for Firefox 3.1
- First look at "Porn Mode" for Firefox 3.1Google ChromeLogs every thing you type into the URL bar, except in incognito mode and reports it back to Google. Chrome is nothing more than a form of Google branded adware/malware/spyware. I refuse to install that POS on my system until Google addresses...
- Discussion threads 2008-11-05
- The Shield Deluxe 2009 (exe)
- The Shield Deluxe 200p combines reactive antivirus and spyware detection methods with the latest proactive technologies to provide your computer with the most effective protection against malicious programs. The product is simple to install and set up, while offering advanced users a range of versatile settings for fine-tuning the program....
- Software downloads 2008-11-05
- Private browsing added to Firefox 3.1 beta code
- Private browsing was added to the Firefox 3.1 pre-release code today, just hours before the scheduled code freeze on beta 2. Private browsing is referred to as the "Don't Leave A Trace" feature because it allows users to hide online activities and one's surfing history. Getting...
- Blog posts 2008-11-04
- Spyware And Adware Removal (exe)
- Spyware And Adware Removal will detect any spyware, including password stealing programs, chat and e-mail logging software, keystroke loggers, screen capturing programs, and various other programs that log your Internet activity. It also contains features to show you exactly what was found, and gives you the option to remove the...
- Software downloads 2008-11-04
- Spyware Adware Removal Software (exe)
- Spyware Adware Removal Software will scan your memory, registry, hard drives, and external storage devices. Effectively remove spyware, adware, trojans, keyloggers, home page hijackers, and malware threats. With the built-in check for updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. Spyware Adware Removal Software cleans your system the...
- Software downloads 2008-11-04
- Microsoft: Third party apps killing our security
- Microsoft: Third party apps killing our securityI use Youtube oftenand what they did is good. I really disliked the whole real player thing as well.It was a horrid thing. Aside from which platform it was run on.Tell That To Some Web SeminarsI had to attend one last week, one of...
- Discussion threads 2008-11-03
- Remove Adware Spyware (exe)
- Remove Adware Spyware is specifically designed to recognize and remove spyware and adware BHOs Browser Helper Objects that cause pop-up ads. Spyware and adware removal protects your home page setting from being forcibly hijacked by malicious Web sites and spyware, which modifies your default start page. This version is the...
- Software downloads 2008-11-03
- Registry/Virus/Spyware Diagnosis Tool (exe)
- A tool designed to diagnose and repair registry, virus and spyware issues. A series of questions will be asked to better determine the best course of action. You will then have the option to scan your PC and repair any issues. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
- Software downloads 2008-11-03
- Black market for zero day vulnerabilities still thriving
- One would assume that popular sources for zero day vulnerabilities+Poc's such as Full-Disclosure, Bugtraq or Milw0rm are the primary sources for obtaining responsibly or irresponsibly released flaws. They'd be wrong. The black market for zero day vulnerabilities and the concept of over-the-counter OTC trade of zero day flaws, has been...
- Blog posts 2008-11-02
- Adware Spyware Protection (exe)
- Adware Spyware Protection is an advanced but easy-to-use anti spyware tool that removes spyware, adware, malware, hijacker programs and immunizes them to block future spyware threats that may invade your privacy and even steal your credit card numbers or personal information. It upgrades computer system performance and creating a secure...
- Software downloads 2008-10-31
- Enrique Iglesias Search Toolbar (exe)
- Enrique Iglesias Search Toolbar provides opportunities to win exclusive Enrique Iglesias prizes by searching the Web. The results come from Google and Ask, and there is no adware or spyware. The toolbar also features custom buttons that link directly to Enrique Iglesias' homepage. This version is the first release on...
- Software downloads 2008-10-31
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