Personal computing is complete with developments in processing power, entertainment and productivity and also changed the way we work and play. These developments has delivered new methods for criminals. One of the method is spyware and the first use of the term occurred in 1994. Later, the term Spyware is used to describe devices used for spying like small cameras and microphones.

Spyware is software that sends information to its creator and resides on a computer. The information may include system details passwords, login information etc. These spyware programs are more irritating than risky and costs you more valuable time and resources. The hidden actions of the Spyware software are clearly labelled in the EULA (end-user license agreement) which is showed during the installation process.

Other types of Malware

There are other types of offensive programs that can make your computing life unhappy, those are explained below:

Malware:

Malware is a general phrase used to describe any program that runs on a computer and performs predetermined functions that cause harm.

Adware:

Adware exactly refers to programs that shows pop-up ads and these often based on surfing habits that tied to a particular advertiser.

Virus:

A virus is a software package that is designed to spread itself among files on computers on a network or a single computer.

Worm:

A worm spreads by making copies of themselves around a network and capable of changing their profile to avoid detection.

Trojan:

A Trojan gather information and send it to the developer like spyware. It performs harmful functions like deleting all your image files or erasing your hard disk.

Cookie:

Cookies are small data files to store information on your computer and these are used by Web sites. Cookies are not truly malware but they are used in similar ways.

Effects of Spyware

Spyware gather data from your web surfing habits and turn your computer into a zombie system. These programs are designed to capture every mouse click, stored data like e-mail lists and personal information which allows hackers to follow around the Web in real time. Panda Labs conducted a research study recently on identity theft spyware. The report contained some statistics. They are:

  1. More than 10 million devices had some form of spyware out of the 67 million devices scanned by Panda Labs in 2008. This spyware which is designed to steal personal data.
  2. Of all devices only 35 percent had installed efficient antivirus tools.
  3. Personal data recovery spyware affected more than 3 million users in the United States in 2008.
  4. In the second half of 2008, infections farfetched by 800 percent when compared to the first half.
  5. In 2009, the infection rate of identity theft spyware will increase by 339 percent per month which is expected by Panda Labs.

Spyware is against the law. Many states and the federal government have passed laws against using spyware to gather personal information like passwords. When you click on the Next button while installing software, you have read and understand the EULA.

Avoiding Spyware

To avoid receiving spyware on your computer Follow the below steps:

  1. Update your PC regularly by keeping automatic updates in the control panel.
  2. Microsoftupdates are designed to eliminate particular spyware threats.
  3. Install an anti-virus program and update it regularly. There are several anti-virus programs available like Norton, McAfee,, some of which are free.
  4. Don’t download anything from unknown sources. Search for consistent providers of free values.
  5. Read the end user license agreement when you are downloading software and before installation.
  6. Don’t click on any advertisement for free anti-virus program. This is a standard method used to dispense spyware.
  7. If you require to download anti-virus software, go directly to the company’s website.
  8. Set security level of your browser andoperating system to medium higher for better results.
  9. If you have a home network install a firewall and use a separate router.
  10. When you visit a website, if you find a virus alert on your screen do not click on it.
  11. Use your own anti-virus program to run a complete scan of the system and never open an inexact e-mail attachment.

Spyware Removal

If you find your computer has spyware on it, run a complete scan using your anti-virus program. Updated anti-virus regularly. Reformat your hard drive and reinstall the operating system. Backup your data to drive. This solution clean up the system and eliminates unused data. This make the machine run faster and increase the space available on your hard drive. Most users can protect themselves from spyware through maintenance of the operating system and reliable anti-virus software.