What is Spyware? At one point, we have all been warned about this epedemic called 'spyware, and many of us ask the question, 'What is spyware?. You've heard of it. You'd like to avoid it. Maybe you even fear it. But why? It's name gives it a frightening image and we know that most people fear it, but is that fear well placed? To what extreme should you go to remove and avoid it? Why is it so dangerous?

The Truth About Spyware

Spyware can be classified as any software that secretly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge or approval, usually for advertising purposes but not always. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information covertly to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses, phone numbers and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Why is Spyware Dangerous?

Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the Web browser, consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party. Either way it harms you personally.