The Effect of Spyware on Privacy

Spyware reduces privacy.

Spyware programs put themselves on a user's computer and gather information without the individual's knowledge or consent. Overall, these programs reduce the amount of privacy a person has when on the Web.

Effects

Spyware programs by their nature have a negative impact on privacy because they exist to send information about Internet habits back to a central database or host, according to "Combating Spyware in the Enterprise." They also use system resources and, therefore, can slow your system's performance.

Types

Spyware programs that come packaged with free or reduced rate software usually have the user's consent to install themselves and are not considered malicious. Other spyware sneaks onto a computer and invades the user's privacy.

Important Fact

According to anti-spyware software developer Lavasoft, 90 percent of computers contain or have contained at least one piece of spyware, which people either do not know exists or cannot remove.

Considerations

Spyware varies in the impact it has on the user. Some sit inconspicuously in the background mining for data, while others record passwords and credit card information.

Prevention/Solution

Wired Magazine recommends that people worried about spyware should not download free or ad-supported programs. In addition, users should regularly scan their hard drives with an anti-spyware program, such as the free Spybot Search and Destroy (See link in Resources).

References

• Princeton University: WordNet Search Spyware
• Combating Spyware in the Enterprise; 2006
• Lavasoft: Spyware Statistics

Resources

• Software.com: Five Malicious Effects of Spyware & Three Ways to Stop It.
• Wired Magazine: Spyware: What You Need to Know
• Spybot Search and Destroy Homepage