What is [Spyware]?
copyright © Robert Culbertson

If you have an Internet connection you do have spyware on your computer and are bombarded with it everyday.


"It is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers."

[Spyware] is a malicious software to take control of your computer without your consent. The first instance of spyware was first noted in 1995 by Usenet while poking fun at Microsofts business model. Usenet is one of the oldest network communication on the Internet today.

One form of spyware introduction is a popup as a remedy for your computer security problems. The unsuspected marketer clicks the yes or no option and downloads this onto their computer. Even if you click the no option it still downloads to your computer.

Has your browser been [hijacked]? Have Internet shortcuts been added to your favorites without your knowledge?

Are you seeing more and more popup advertising on your computer? Have you downloaded a program that was not clear as to what was being placed on your computer? Is your computer slowing down? We are always surfing the Internet for information whether it be in an email from a program or a friend. If you are seeing advertising popup ads all over your screen you most likely have spyware. Spyware is also a means of [identity theft].

What does [Spyware] do?

Spyware programs are designed to gather certain privelged information about you and your surfing habits. They can gather information such as your name, your address, telephone number and even your financial information. This information can be used to destroy your image and your reputation.

All it takes is to download a simple harmless piece of software such as weather information that you thought harmless enough. They do not tell you in the license agreement about information that they may or may not put on your computer during the download and subsequent installation.

Protect your computer, your identity and most importantly check for [spyware] regularly.

Have you ever completely read the license agreement of a program you have or want to download. Come on now, you glance through that license agreement and then you accept or decline based on what you thought you read there.

In most instances the license agreement is written in such a way that you cannot totally understand it. If you do not understand something you should always ask questions. It is very important to your security.

Keywords: Robert Culbertson,spyware,software,identity,identity theft,