What is Spwyare?

According to Wikipedia, Spyware is defined as computer software that is installed on a user's computer without their knowledge or consent, that is designed to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction wih the computer.  But that definition is actually incomplete.

While it is true that spyware does aim to cause specific actions to be taken by the user, such as clicking a popup ad, it also can collect information about the user by logging keystrokes, browsing habits, and webpages visited and has now become the method of choice for cyberhackers to commit identity theft.

Up until recently, most spyware was mostly considered a nuisance and would do things like change your browser's homepage, place additional icons on your computer, and display a number of popups on your computer.  Because of this and the fact that in many cases there are multiple spyware processes running in the background on your computer, this would cause your computer to become unstable and extremely slow until you removed it, which you could easily do with any number of free spyware removers.

However, there is a new breed of highly intelligent and extremely malicious spyware that uses false and aggressive advertising tactics to scare you into purchasing bogus security software.  This new breed of spyware is commonly known as Rogue Antispyware Software and the sole purpose of this type of spyware is to for profit only.

The most common type of spyware, and one that infects millions of computers across the globe, is known as a Trojan Horse.  Just like the story is told in Greek Mythology, the Trojan Horse presents itself as being a harmless download or program, but after it's installed it will download more and more spyware down to your computer, often much more malicious than the Trojan itself such as the Rogue Antispyware programs mentioned above.

Spyware has taken over the reigns from viruses as being the #1 internet threat for computer users today and it is in everyone's best interest to take the proper precautionary steps to ensure their computers stay free from this malicious and dangerous software.