What is spyware? Despite its name, the term "spyware" doesn't refer to something used by
undercover operatives, but rather by the advertising industry. In fact, spyware is also known as "adware." It refers to a category of software that, when installed on your computer, may send you pop-up ads, redirect your browser to certain web sites, or monitor the web sites that you visit. Some extreme, invasive versions of spyware may track exactly what keys you type.
Attackers may also use spyware for malicious purposes.
Because of the extra processing, spyware may cause your computer to become
slow or sluggish. There are also privacy implications:
* What information is being gathered?
* Who is receiving it?
* How is it being used?
How do you know if there is spyware on your computer?
The following symptoms may indicate that spyware is installed on your
computer:
* you are subjected to endless pop-up windows
* you are redirected to web sites other than the one you typed into your
browser
* new, unexpected toolbars appear in your web browser
* new, unexpected icons appear in the task tray at the bottom of your
screen
* your browser's home page suddenly changed
* the search engine your browser opens when you click "search" has been
changed
* certain keys fail to work in your browser (e.g., the tab key doesn't
work when you are moving to the next field within a form)
* random Windows error messages begin to appear
* your computer suddenly seems very slow when opening programs or
processing tasks (saving files, etc.)
Tomorrow see; How can you prevent spyware from installing on your computer.
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