What is Spyware? Is it bad? What does it do?

Hiding where you can't find it, spyware collects information about you and what you do on the internet.

Spyware doesn't respect your privacy. In fact, its sole purpose is to record your personal information and what you do with your computer on the internet. By secretly installing itself on your computer, this software collects and communicates the results of its compilation to those who originally built the program. Once your personal data is sent, you have no control over what happens to it or how it's used.

If you do any online banking or make purchases online using your credit or debit card, beware. This information can be gathered by spyware that you don't even know is installed on your computer.

The most common method for installation of spyware on your computer is by piggybacking on the installation of legitimate software on to your system. You know all of those license agreements you don't spend time reading before accepting? Well, that's where information regarding other software programs that may or may not be installed on your system at the same time as the program you meant to install resides. Often there will be disclaimer language in the license agreement regarding your browsing habits and data being sent to the company for their use. So it may be worth spending a few extra minutes to review the agreement instead of just blindly accepting it.

Most of the data gathered about you will be used for advertising and marketing purposes. And unlike viruses, spyware doesn't try to take complete control of your computer. However, spyware can scan files on your hard drive, listen in to your instant messaging chats, review cookies, record and send information on your browsing habits, etc... So that's why most people regularly scan their systems for known spyware and remove it if found.

There are several free anti spyware programs available for download off the internet. Some of the most popular are:

• Ad-Aware
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• Windows Defender - (comes standard as part of Microsoft's Vista operating system)
• Trend Micro - (Free Tools & Services)

Spyware Related Links: