What Is Avenue A Spyware?

Avenue A spyware tracks PC user activity via web browsers.

PC users share and download software through computer networks. Hackers may use spyware, or software programs used to collect information about the user, to invade a PC. One example of this type of software is Avenue A spyware.

Definition

Avenue A spyware is software distributed for the purpose of optimizing online marketing campaigns by providing such services as data collection and analysis. Avenue A spyware collects this data via a tracking cookie that is stored on PC users' computers to track user activity.

Cookies

Avenue A spyware's tracking cookie takes the form of a piece of text that is stored by a PC user's Internet browser. The tracking cookie is sent by Avenue A's server to track and log the user's browser activity. The information is then sent back to Avenue A's server. Spyware cookies are often used for marketing purposes to analyze browsing trends and other statistics.

Results

Avenue A spyware results in a loss of privacy, due to the recording of a user's browsing habits without his consent. Avenue A spyware may slow down computer operation, cause applications to freeze and interrupt Internet connections. Avenue A spyware can be removed by most anti-spyware and anti-virus software.

References

• ca technologies: Spyware Detail
• "Spyware Reference & Study Guide"; Gregory D Evans; 2005

Resources

• "Absolute Beginner's Guide to Security, Spam, Spyware & Viruses"; Andy Walker; 2005