Purpose of Spyware
Spyware is software that records data based on a computer's activities and sends it back to third parties. According to the website TechTerms, this can include Web browsing logs, emails, passwords and credit card information. The spyware does this without informing the computer user that it is compiling data, and once the data is sent back to the spyware programmer or third party, he can use it however he likes.
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Definition
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Kaspersky Labs, an Internet security company, reports that the Anti-Spyware Coalition, or ASC, drafted a definition of spyware in 2005. The ASC defines spyware as any software that impairs a user's control over privacy, Internet security, system resource usage or sensitive personal information. It is part of a broad body of malicious software called "malware."
Function
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Spyware installs on a computer to track personal data and then send that data back to the spyware's programmer or to another third party. Spyware does all of this without the computer user's knowledge or consent. Its entire function is to invade privacy and steal information. According to Kaspersky Labs, types of spyware include "adware," "pornware" and "riskware." As a side effect, while it runs in the background it uses system resources and slows down the computer.
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Prevention/Solution
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Norton, an internet security company by Symantec, lists three common ways that malware, including spyware, spreads. Worms spread through infected email or instant messages; they often mask themselves in unsolicited advertisements for free goods or services. Trojan horses, a name referencing Greek mythology, install themselves directly from websites without the user's knowledge. Viruses install onto computers when users download files that are secretly infected with malicious software.
Data Use
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The purpose of spyware largely depends on what type of data it mines. A Digital Journal article, "Arrest of Identity Theft's Bonnie and Clyde Opens Debate on Spyware Programs," talks about some of the uses of spyware--both legitimate and illegal. Some programs track Web browsing logs for market research data or to monitor employee Internet use. On the other hand, spyware that records usernames, passwords and credit card information has little use other than identity theft.
Prevention
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According to the website TechTerms, computer users can protect themselves from spyware by installing Internet security suites and keeping them updated. These programs have various functions, including antivirus software that scan computers for malware and firewalls that prevent unauthorized programs from running without the user's knowledge or consent. A variety of Internet security suites are available, including some that are free. Users should also be wary of opening suspicious messages. Usually these come from unknown senders, but malware can also cause personal email accounts to send unauthorized infected messages.
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References
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