What is spyware'

Spyware is software that hides itself somewhere on your computer collecting information about you and what you do on the internet.

Spyware can invade your privacy by passing on your personal details without you even knowing that this is what it is doing.

If you shop on the internet using your credit or debit cards some spyware can record your credit card details so beware!

Basic spyware

Spyware is often downloaded onto your PC when you download other free software. When you see a license agreement for any software you download from the internet read it carefully.

Often buried in the licence agreement will be a disclaimer saying that information about you and your browsing habits will be sent to the company's website.

The information collected about you is usually for advertising purposes but spyware can scan files on your hard drive, listen in on other applications like chat programs, the list is endless...

Adware and malware

Adware is a form of spyware which installs secret advertising software on your computer. These generate on-screen adverts (often pop-ups) which can be really annoying!

The worst forms of adware 'hijack' links in web pages. So, instead of taking you to the correct website they take you to a different site - who have often paid the adware makers.

Malware is another form of spyware. It's short for malicious software and is often designed to cause damage to your computer system just like a virus does.

Other forms of malware can do other horrible things like reveal the keys you press on the keyboard or your password to hackers.

That's why having spyware on your computer is like having somebody rummaging through your drawers to some people!

These adware/malware applications can also seriously use up system resources and can cause your PC to crash or freeze.

How you get it

A common way of spyware getting onto your PC is by downloading peer-to-peer file swapping programs such as KaZaA.

Spyware companies pay these file swapping services to bundle the spyware into their downloads.

Also, beware of unusual grey dialog boxes that appear when you are browsing the internet. Don't click on the install/OK button, just close it!

Privacy

It is reassuring to some people to know that any information that is sent back to legitimate 'marketing' companies is supposedly 'anonymous'.

However, you have no control whatsoever on what data is being sent to the company.

Spyware is not illegal and honest marketing and advertising companies do disclose information on the data they are collecting.

But as spyware can do so much more than just collect anonymous data it's best to steer clear of it.

Get rid of it

Companies like Lavasoft offer free software like Adaware that will scan your computer and remove the spyware/adware.

For a comprehensive list of free and pay software have a look at Spyware warrior. This page also includes a list of rogue anti-spyware software that pretends it will help when it actually is really spying on you.

If you have a question visit Spywareinfo for forums where experts on spyware and malware participate.

Also, don't forget to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and your firewall enabled. See the related questions below.