Spyware, Adware and Other Internet Threats
Many computer invaders are classified as malware. Malware can include anything from computer viruses to adware to spam to pop-ups. For most of us, all types of malware are a huge pain and can cause serious harm to our computers.
Adware
There are two different types of adware. One type is a software that is supported by advertising and one that can track your PC movement and send targeted advertising your way.
The first type is basically software that requires advertising dollars to aid with development and distribution. The software is usually PC utilities, but can also include games and more substantial software. This software usually is free as long as adware is included, but typically an option to pay for the software sans ads is available.
The second type of adware is annoying and frustrating for many PC users. There are different flavors of this type of adware, but quite often it will install itself on your computer without your consent. This type of adware also can monitor where you’re going on the Internet and only show you advertising targeting towards your browsing habits.
Spyware
Spyware is one of the most annoying types of malware on the Internet. Not only does it monitor your sites visited on the Internet, but it may actually redirect your Internet browser to certain sites.
No one willingly installs spyware, this is a type of malware that installs without your consent, and it is actually even illegal in certain countries, including the United States. So how does your computer get spyware? It can come along with a virus or worm, or even hidden in a software product that you did install.
Quite often when spyware comes with legitimate software products such as Kazaa or Bearshare. No one ever reads the user agreements but it will state that spyware is required with the install. This protects the company from any legislation that would call for legal action. The information that this type of spyware collects is used to send you advertising that is targeting specifically to a certain group you fall into. It is argued that this is not an invasion of privacy, simply market analysis.
While spyware isn’t inherently harmful to your computer, it is extremely annoying to find your inbox filled with these supposed targeted advertisements. Unfortunately as long as installation details are present in user agreements we aren't likely to see the end of this type of spyware anytime soon.
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You can read more about internet security and other related topics on the following websites:
Security Manor
Internet Security Guide
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