Spyware is a broad category of software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation. This is generally without the informed consent of the owner or legitimate user.

When Spyware is installed on your computer, it collects many different types of information about the user. The programs attempt to track what types of websites the user visits and send this information to an advertisement agency, others simply launch popup advertisements. More malicious versions will try to record what a user types to try to intercept passwords or credit card numbers however.

Spyware does not directly spread in the manner of a computer virus or worm. Instead, spyware gets on a system through deception of the user or through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.

 

The most direct route by which spyware can infect a computer involves the user installing it. However, users tend not to install software if they know that it will disrupt their working environment and compromise their privacy. As a result many spyware programs deceive the users, either by piggybacking on a piece of desirable software, or by tricking the users to do something that installs the software without them realizing.

Have NOD32 Anti-virus installed and keep in mind these habits while using the internet.

• Do not accept or open suspicious error boxes from your browser
• Spyware may come as part of a 'free deal' offer - do not accept these deals
• Always read carefully the End User License agreement when installing anything and cancel if other 'programs' are being installed as part of the chosen program
• Keep your home computer software and security up to date