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Spyware:
Spyware Definitions List
By Gary Gresham
The adware and spyware definitions list is very long. But the definitions
listed below are the most common ones. This is a glossary of spyware facts
and terms so you'll know what these malicious programs are and what they can
do to your computer.
Adware
Adware components are generally installed along with a shareware or freeware
programs you download. The adware developer creates pop up windows that
generate advertisement revenue for them. Most adware components are actually
installed with consent from the user. This happens because most people never
read the end-user license agreement that comes with software.
Spyware
Spyware is most often installed bundled with freeware or shareware, much
like adware. Spyware programs gather and transmit sensitive and personal
information about your online behavior to an unknown party. The data is
collected without you even knowing it happened. By the time you discover it,
the damage is done and the hacker is long gone.
Browser Hijackers
Browser hijackers are innocently installed as helpful browser toolbars. They
can alter your browser settings and can change your default home page to
point to a site that generates revenue for the hijacker.
Trojan Horse Programs
Trojan horse programs sneak into your system and run without you realizing
it similar to spyware. Programmers use these programs for any number of
malicious uses and not one of them you would approve of. The good thing is
Trojan horse programs do not duplicate themselves.
Tracking cookies
Tracking cookies are files with small amounts of data like passwords and
settings. Tracking cookies can provide a benefit to you especially if you
revisit the same web sites. But in the wrong hands, cookies are used to
track your Internet behavior without your knowledge or consent and provides
marketers with private information about you.
Keyloggers
Keyloggers are programs that run in the background silently recording all
your keystrokes. Once the keystrokes are logged, the hacker uses a remote
keyloggers program to retrieve the data later. The hacker can get your
passwords, credit card numbers and any personal information on your
computer.
Malware
The definition of malware is any malicious software or program that will
harm your computer. Computer viruses, worms and Trojans are all considered
malware, but several other types of programs may also be included under the
term.
Password Cracker
A password cracker is simply a program used to decrypt a password or
password file. Security administrators use password crackers for legitimate
use by using them to improve system security. But the dangers when a hacker
gets a program like this is unimaginable.
There are many other spyware definitions including scumware,
annoyanceware,
parasites and the list continues to grow daily.
Copyright © 2005 Spyware Information.com All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
This article is provided by
http://www.spyware-information.com where you
will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, valuable tips
and updated articles about adware and spyware that show you how protect
yourself from identity theft. For other informative spyware and identity
protection articles go to
http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html
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