What Is Spyware Technology?

Spyware technology invades your computer and secretly harvests information.

Spyware refers to a variety of malicious programs that can infect your computer to try to harvest information. The information it gathers can range from minor things, such as websites you've visited, to dangerous things, such as credit card information.

Function of Spyware

Spyware programs do not interfere with the use of the computer directly. They embed themselves into the operating system covertly. Chances are, the average user may not realize the spyware is there until it is too late. The idea is for the spyware program to record data from time to time and send it back to the creator of the program over the Internet. This information can then be used to advance the spyware company's purposes.

Types of Spyware

The most common spyware program records what websites the infected computer's user visits. The information is used to organize an email and pop-up advertising campaign that are geared toward the user's interests. Other spyware programs record keystrokes to intercept passwords or credit card information.

Prevention

There are programs available that can protect your computer from spyware. Most of them operate in the System Tray and attempt to intercept spyware programs when they initially try to install themselves on the system. Be careful when selecting a spyware blocking program. Many spyware packages are actually hidden in the very programs that claim to prevent them.

References

• Microsoft Support: What is Spyware?
• One Care: How Do I Know If I Have Spyware On My System?