Spyware is the nickname for any software that was made specifically to spy or monitor another person’s computer activity. This is done secretly and “under the table” so there’s no way for you to know if you are infected without good antispyware programs. Once these programs know your computer activity, they transmit that information over the internet.
Your next question is probably something along the lines of, “What kind of information are they transmitting over the internet?”. It’s a range of things actually. They may transmit information such as your name, address, phone number, contact lists, passwords, credit card numbers, and even bank account numbers! Do you still feel safe?
The internet is a scary place, especially with all the spyware floating around. Let’s start out with some spyware facts.
Spyware Facts
- Spyware causes computer’s to go slow because it uses up a large chunk of the computer’s resources and memory.
- Different types of spyware may edit, rename, move, and even delete files and folders. They may also transmit this information to themselves to search for sensitive information, such as credit card or bank account numbers.
- You are sending spam! It’s claimed that 80% of the spam in today’s world is sent from computers infected by spyware. This spyware will use your computer to send out mass amounts of spam to others!
- Spyware may cause problems with other programs, causing your computer to freeze up and crash.
- Certain spyware, known as “keyloggers”, can record keystrokes and keep logs of every letter you type. Again, this information can be transmitted to them.
- Spyware can collect your personal information and then sell it to others for profit. Also ending you up on calling lists, mailing lists, etc.
- Cause annoying pop-ups, even if you have them disabled.
