What is
SpyWare?
Spyware is Internet jargon for Advertising Supported software
(Adware). It is a way for shareware authors to make money from a
product, other than by selling it to the users. There are several large
media companies that offer them to place banner ads in their products in
exchange for a portion of the revenue from banner sales. This way, you
don't have to pay for the software and the developers are still getting
paid. If you find the banners annoying, there is usually an option to
remove them, by paying the regular licensing fee.
Why is
it called "Spyware" ?
While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising
companies also install additional tracking software on your system,
which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and
reports statistical data to the "mothership". While according to the
privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or
identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain
anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server
sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your
surfing habits to a remote location.....
What
are the different types of Spyware" ?
| Type |
Description |
| Adware |
Typically, adware components
install alongside a shareware or freeware application. These
advertisements create revenue for the software developer and are
provided with initial consent from the user. Adware displays
Web-based advertisements through pop-up windows or through an
advertising banner that appears within a program's interface.
Getting pop-up advertisements when you’re working on your computer
is very annoying. |
| Spyware |
Spyware often installs as a
third-party component bundled with a freeware or shareware
application, just like adware, making the distinction between the
two somewhat vague. Spyware includes code used to gather and
transmit information about the user or his or her behavior to a
third party. This statistical data often is collected without the
knowledge or consent of the user. |
| Hijackers |
Often installing as a helpful
browser toolbar, hijackers may alter browser settings or change the
default home page to point to some other site. |
| Trojan horses |
Trojan horses slip into an
individual’s system and run without the user’s knowledge. They can
have many functions. For example, some use a computer's modem to
dial long-distance, generating huge phone bills for the computer
owner. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojan horses do not make copies of
themselves. |
| Tracking cookies |
Internet browsers write and read
cookies, files with small amounts of data (such as site passwords
and settings) based on instructions from Web sites. In many cases,
cookies provide a benefit to users. However, in some instances
cookies are used to consolidate and track user behavior across
different sites, which provides marketers with private information
about an individual. |
How Do I Check My
Computer For Spyware?
