How Spyware Works

Malicious Functions

Spyware has several intended and innate funtions that can, and likely will, bring your computer's functions down. Spyware monitors your web viewing, and sends data on your browsing habits back to its creator and, in rare cases, "monitor and report what you type into your computer." Spyware slow down your computer's CPU and RAM performance by changing your system setting, flooding your browser with pop-ups and even installing more spyware.

Infection

Spyware uses many covert means to infiltrate and infect your system. Common methods include misleading downloads, browser security loopholes and "popup scams;" even computer viruses can load spyware onto your computer without your knowledge. Users are often tricked into downloading spyware embedded in legitimate software, or clicking on a pop-up advertisement that may seem innocent, or even helpful, on the surface.

Defense Mechanism

Users often find it difficult to remove spyware because spyware programs are often, as Microsoft describes it, "self-aware." Spyware programs evade removal by hiding in your system's registry, disguising the names of its system processes, and they hide "installers in different folders and automatically reinstall if removal is attempted."

References

• What Does a Spyware Do?
• Spyware, Hijackers, and Dialers
• Why is it so Hard to Remove Spyware?

Resources

• How to Remove Spyware From Your PC
• Anti-Spyware Tools