Spyware:

Malicious programs or scripts which are infiltrated into a computer system unknown to it’s user and without his consent. They mostly come as unadvertised “add on” to some downloaded free software. But also opening spam emails, file sharing with questionable partners, clicking on pop-ups (in some cases only clicking the “close” button installs the spyware) or visiting corrupt websites can infect a computer.

There are several forms of Spyware:

• Programs which are supposed to spy out sensitive user data like passwords, credit card numbers or account data. These data are collected and secretly reported over the Internet to the originator of the program for obvious purposes.

• Programs which take control over some functions of the computer and e.g. create endless advertisement pop-ups which cannot be closed or continuously reappear with hardly any possibility to shut them off.

• Programs which are “only” supposed to spy on the users surfing- and especially purchasing-patterns for advertising and marketing purposes of the Spyware sender. Many legitimate companies include such kind of Spyware into their software. Microsoft is a notorious example for such practices.

If a computer is already infected it is mostly quite hard to remove the Spyware without reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling the whole system. There is plenty of Spyware remover software, some good, some not so good. Some are even Spyware itself so make sure you check the relevant forums if your program of choice is no wolf in sheep’s clothing.

[Spy comes from Germanic spekh- = to look out for, scout, spy;

Ware comes from Old English waru = object of care, something held in custody]

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