Spyware

Spyware is software that enables advertisers or hackers to gather information without your permission.

Spyware programs are not viruses (they do not spread to other computers) but they can have undesirable effects.

You can get spyware on your computer when you visit certain websites. A pop-up message may prompt you to download a software utility that you “need”, or software may be downloaded automatically without your knowledge.

The spyware then runs on the computer, tracking your activity (for example, visits to websites) and reports it to others, such as advertisers. It may also change the home page displayed when you start your internet browser, or use a dial-up modem to call premium-rate phone numbers. Spyware also consumes memory and processing capacity, which may slow or crash the computer.

Good anti-virus programs can detect and remove spyware programs, which are treated as a type of Trojan.

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