Spyware

Definition - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.

Spyware does not generally replicate itself onto other computers but is usually installed as part of free software, tricking a user into installing an addin program, or installing via a security weakness in the operating system.

History
The term “Spyware” was first recorded back in 1995, but related more to hardware, developed for espionage use.  In 2000, the term, as related to Spyware as we know it today, was referred to as part of the description for the Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall.

It is estimated that 90% of computers today have some form of Spyware on them.

Spyware Today
Spyware programs can:

• Secretly monitor the users behaviour
• Collect personal information
• Install additional software
• Redirect web browser activity
• Redirect advertising revenue to an incorrect recipricant
• change computer settings
• Display random popup adds

Spyware is most commonly spread by:

• downloading free of charge programs
• piggybacking on a piece of desirable software such as Kazaa
• tricking people into installing it (the Trojan horse method) or masquerading as security software, while being spyware themselves.
• People installing add-on components without understanding why.
• Users opening emails from unknown sources
• bundling with