What is spyware, adware, and malware, and how does it get on my system? Spyware is software that gathers information about you, your browsing and Internet usage habits, as well as other data. Adware is software that displays advertising banners, re-directs you to websites, and otherwise conducts advertising on your computer (not to be confused with popup ads, which come from the websites that you visit). Malware is malicious software that is intended to do harm to your computer or software. Malware includes viruses, Trojans, and worms. Many users inadvertently download spyware or adware when downloading other programs. Many popular peer to peer applications and other software packages include adware or spyware packages. Even seemingly innocuous programs such as special cursors can contain spyware. In addition, many websites and advertising banners set cookies on your system that track your web usage.
Why is it a danger?
Spyware and adware can gather information about you, your browsing habits, as well as other data. Cookies set by websites can allow these applications to track which websites you visit; this is especially dangerous as some cookies can contain user login and password information for the website which created it. In addition spyware and adware is NOTORIOUSLY badly coded and is the biggest cause out there now of slow systems, hogged system resources, and oversaturation of network bandwidth. Some spyware and adware can even be malware and open your system to attack or cause system problems.
What can you do about it?
• Download and run an adware or spyware removal program. Links to a number of popular removal and protection programs are included below.
• Set Internet Explorer (IE) browser settings to appropriate security levels and disable or prompt for access for ActiveX and other dangerous content. Consider using alternate browsers such as Mozilla, Netscape, Opera, or Safari (MacOS).
• Do not download suspicious programs, and check programs before you install them. Websites that pop up messages asking you to download software should not be trusted unless you know what that software is or unless you requested it. Often, choosing the “advanced” or “custom” install for software will allow you to de-select components and you can remove adware and spyware from the installation process.
• Use a software firewall to help control which applications can send or receive data. This can help you prevent a spyware or adware program from contacting its owner and transmitting your personal information, and can also tell you if you are sending that information.
Definitions
Spyware
Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge.
Malware
Malware or malicious software is programming or files that are developed for the purpose of doing harm. Thus, malware includes computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.
Adware
Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running
Trojans
Trojan horses are malicious programs typically contained in otherwise innocent seeming programs or data. These programs attempt to take control of a system or attempt to do damage to the system or its data.
Software
Spyware and Adware removal tools
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