What Damage Can Spyware Do?

Spyware is software designed to monitor your actions on the computer and Internet and relay that information to the spyware creator. The information can be used for different purposes including sending unsolicited advertising or pop-ups.

Computer Performance

Spyware can affect computer performance.

Spyware installs itself on your computer without your knowledge and constantly runs in the background, taking up memory and leading to a decrease in the performance of your computer.

Hard Drive

Spyware takes up space on the hard drive causing the computer to slow down, increasing the time it takes for material, such as web pages, to load.

Security

Spyware programs can open a backdoor for third parties to have access to your personal information such as the types of websites you visit, information on your hard drive and your passwords.

Pop-ups

Spyware enables third parties to send annoying pop-ups with product offers for the user of the computer.

References

• Scambusters: Viruses and other serious security threats -- and what to do if you've been infected
• Spyware Removal Doc: Spyware And The Damage It Can Cause
• Indiana University: What is spyware or adware, and how can I remove it?