Software that 'traces' what you are doing and sometimes reports this to a company or organisation. Highly undesirable since your privacy is definitly invaded here and most people don't even know it is happening to them. A tool like AdWare can help you remove it from your PC.
As the name implies, this is software that "spies" on your computer. Nobody ...
Software that secretly gathers information through a user's Internet connection without their knowledge. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users install the product when they install something else unknowingly. There are software applications called Anti-Spyware that are designed to locate and remove Spyware from your computer.
Software programs that can secretly monitor system activity, in order to detect passwords or other confidential information and transmit them to another computer. These programs can be identified and removed using software such as free software such as Ad-Aware. Further information is available here.
A software program that is intentionally installed on a computer by a 3rd party with malicious intentions, to monitor or spy on what other users of the computer are doing.
Spyware is software that collects information about your Internet usage. It is often installed without your knowledge after you have clicked on an unknown link or attachment contained within a fraudulent email carrying a ‘Trojan'. If you have Spyware installed, you may notice your computer running slower, or you are redirected to websites you hadn't intended to visit, or unwanted 'pop-up' windows appear while you are using the Internet. Popular anti-spyware software, such as Zone Labs' ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite, AdAware and Spybot's Seek and Destroy can help to protect your computer.
Spyware are programs that secretly monitor your system and may detect passwords or other confidential material and communicate it to another computer. Spyware can usually be found in shareware or freeware and is installed during the installation process.
Spyware is a name for a program that is designed to monitor computer usage and browsing habits. The spyware program is typically loaded onto a users computer without any notice or knowledge of the user. Once activated, this program can send information to third parties.
Spyware is a computer program which can be installed on personal computers (usually without the permission from the owner) and has the purpose of collecting information and sending it back to another source - usually an Internet marketing or pornographic website.
Spyware is software that records activities and processes on a computer and makes them accessible to others without the owner's knowledge and/or consent. Spyware is often used to analyse a user's web surfing and then show pop-up ads, or to retrieve access data to bank or online accounts.
Spyware is software that gathers information about your Web-surfing habits for marketing purposes. Spyware “piggybacks†on programs you choose to download. Tucked away in the fine print of user agreements for many “free†downloads and services is a stipulation that the company will use spyware to monitor your web habits for business research purposes.
software that automatically installs on your computer, usually without your knowledge, and tracks information about your online habits.
Any software that covertly gathers a users information through the users internet connection without his or her knowledge. Spyware can gather email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, keystrokes or any other information transmitted via the internet. In addition to using up valuable bandwidth, memory and system resources, Spyware is also be a major security threat.
Software planted on your system to capture and reveal information to someone outside your system. It can do such things as capture your keystrokes while typing passwords, read and track your e-mail, record what sites you visit, pass along credit card numbers and so on. It can be planted by Trojan horses or viruses, installed as part of freeware or shareware programs you download and run, installed by an employer to track your computer usage, or even planted by advertising agencies to assist in feeding you targeted ads.
A software program that is secretly installed on a computer and that monitors the use of the computer online without the users knowledge or consent.
Spyware often installs as a third-party component bundled with a freeware or shareware application, just like adware, making the distinction between the two somewhat vague. Spyware includes code used to gather and transmit information about the user or his or her behavior to a third party. This statistical data often is collected without the knowledge or consent of the user.
This is also known as "adware". It is a hidden software program that transmits user information via the Internet to advertisers in exchange for free downloaded software. The Specialty Alliance Corporation(tm) does NOT use Spyware in any form or fashion, or will do business with companies that do.
Software that collects information about a user without the user's knowledge or consent. Also, software that modifies the operation of a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent. Typical kinds of spyware include keyloggers, which send a list to a third party of the keys that a user pressed, and adware, which displays to the user advertisements selected by the adware's owner.
Program that registers the users's behaviour on the Internet , without them noticing.
Software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Spyware is often installed without the user's knowledge or explicit permission in combination with a free download.
Software that monitors and gathers information about your Internet activity, then sends that information to a third party without your knowledge.
a catchall term used to describe programs that stealthily install themselves on computers
a categorical name for any program that tracks user's online activities and secretly transmits information to a third party
a class of programs intended to remotely monitor your computer activities
a computer software that can steal important information from the users computer without their consent or know
a generic term for programs that install themselves on your computer without telling you that they are there
a piece of code that sends information to a third party without notifying the user
a program on an internet that secretly gather's information about the user and relay it to the interested parties
a significant problem for most computer users
a software made to accompany any ligitimate software you might download
a Trojan horse, attempt o a computer, co sent
A program that gathers information about a person or an organization and sends this information to a third party, often without their permission or knowledge.
Software that secretly installs a program to track your computing habits and serve you ads.
A cookie or program installed on your computer without your knowledge that tracks such things as your internet browsing habits and sends the information to a server. More dangerous versions can track more personal information. The purpose of such cookies and applications is to create a database of your specific habits or personal information for transmission to the author of the cookie program. In its most sinister form, spyware can collect information such as your birthday, social security number, address, and other pertinent information for the purpose of identity theft.
Tracking programs that are often secretly installed on a person's computer.
Spyware (sometimes called 'adware') is any program on your computer that is intended to perform a task of tracking or recording activities or operations with or without your knowledge. Spyware can operate in many ways. At its mildest, spyware (usually in the form of cookies) is a simple tool used by advertisers to track users' Web-surfing preferences. Many forms of spyware are benign and pose no threat to security or privacy. In fact the presence of some forms of spyware (ie cookies) on your computer is necessary to enable many applications (such as Internet Banking) to occur. At its worst, spyware is used to covertly monitor keystrokes, scan files, install additional spyware and trojans, reconfigure browsers, snoop e-mail and other applications. Some of today's spyware can even capture screenshots or turn on webcams.
A legitimate, non-replicating program designed to monitor the computer usage or browsing habits of a user. This might including monitoring keystrokes, tracking internet history, uploading confidential information and the like.
Software installed without the user knowing or without permission. Spyware sends information to a third party and also installs advertisment software
The term Spyware has been used in two ways. In its narrow sense, Spyware is a term for Tracking Software deployed without adequate notice, consent, or control for the user. In its broader sense, Spyware is used as a synonym for what the ASC calls “Spyware and Other Potentially Unwanted Technologies.†In technical settings, ASC uses the term Spyware only in its narrower sense and always marks it as such [spyware(narrow)]. However, we understand that it is impossible to avoid the broader connotations of the term in colloquial or popular usage, and we do not attempt to do so. For example, we refer to the group as the Anti-Spyware Coalition and vendors as makers of anti-spyware software, even recognizing that their scope of concern extends beyond tracking software. Therefore, the term spyware, when used generally in an ASC document will always refer to the broader colloquial usage.
Spyware, also called adware, is software that is hidden on your computer that gathers personal information about you and your Internet use habits. The software then relays it to advertisers, marketing groups and others who use the information to target you with pop-up ads.
The term spyware refers to technologies that collect information about a user without his or her knowledge and reports that information to a third party. Certain forms of spyware can intercept sensitive and confidential information about an organization or user, including passwords, credit card numbers and other identifying data.
Programs that get installed on your computer to track your activities or pop up advertising on your screen. These are usually installed through the internet, and often without telling you.
Software programs often installed on a user's PC without the user's knowledge that secretly collect information and send it to an outside party via the user's Internet connection.
Software that monitors how a computer is used and sends reports to another computer via the internet. Spyware programs have been created that log credit card numbers or username and password entries, for example, enabling identity theft. Another example is rogue dialler software that causes a user’s PC to call a premium rate phone line instead of their ISP’s standard number. Spyware has also been used to initiate Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks, causing large numbers of infected computers to launch a coordinated attack on a specific web site.
software that monitors and transmits what consumers are doing on the Internet without their consent.
Software that gathers information about a user as he or she navigates around the web. It is intended to track surfing habits in order to build marketing profiles. Spyware is often included in "free downloads" from the web where the license agreement (which so many of us accept without reading), may mention that information about your habits will be transmitted back to the company's website - but not information specifically about you. Spyware is cause for public concern about privacy on the Internet.
Spyware also known as Advertising Supported software (Adware) is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. Spyware is additional tracking software installed on your system via a software virus or as the result of installing a new program, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. For more information see Spychecker
is software that transmits information back to a third party without notifying the user. It’s also known by other names such as malware and scumware. Trojans or Trojan Horses are usually disguised as a harmless software programs and distributed as an e-mail attachment. Once opened they install themselves and have the ability to manage files, including creating, deleting, or renaming files. But unlike a virus they do not replicate themselves, but can be just as destructive.
Programs, typically installed by stealth, which record what you do on your PC and send reports to criminals, allowing them to steal your bank details, passwords and so on. See also Malware.
A virus that records and transmits your computer and on-line activity. more.
Malevolent computer mini-programs generating unwanted pop-ups on your browser, and which can steal your email address and send you lots of Spam.
Unwanted software that secretly monitors a user's activity, scans for private information or gives outsiders control of a computer.
Software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge, and which secretly monitors your activity and reports this information to a home server on the internet. Spyware can be included with software that you install on your computer, or it could be installed by a web site when you visit it.
A general term for a class of software that monitors the actions of a computer user. This software falls into a number of categories: Software that may be installed legitimately to provide security or workplace monitoring, software with relatively benign purposes that may be associated with marketing data collection and software that is maliciously installed, either as a general violation of a user's privacy or to collect information to allow further attacks on their computer or online transactions (e.g. "keylogging" to gain passwords).
is any software used to obtain personal information about a user or his or her computer without informing the user or asking permission. Spyware uses an Internet connection to receive the data.
A stealthy application that makes use of your Internet connection, gathering and transmitting information on various activities you conduct on your computer to third-parties. This information is often collected and sent without your knowledge or consent. Like adware, spyware often installs as a third-party component bundles with a freeware or shareware application, which can make the distinction between the two somewhat ambiguous. In some places on the Internet, you may also see 'Spyware' used as a generic term to encompass malware.
Software that is secretly installed on a users computer and that monitors use of the computer in some way without the users' knowledge or consent. Often used to serve up targeted ads to the user. It’s now a growing problem because of it is installed without consent and ties us computer resources. No one asks for the software, its usually installs itself when the user downloads some type of free software for things like music or file sharing.
software that sends information about you and your computer to others (usually without your knowledge and consent). Spyware may also install files on your hard drive without your knowledge.
Spyware is any application that impairs users control over material changes that affect their user experience, privacy or system security; use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; or collection, use and distribution of their personal or otherwise sensitive information. (From http://www.antispywarecoalition.org/documents/definitions.htm)
Software that contains third-party software which is used to monitor the users behavior. The user is unaware of the installation of this software which often takes form as a Trojan Horse, monitoring your web browser activity and sending the information to the author of the spyware. A powerful tool to datamine user activity and collect marketing information.
malicious software that installs itself on your PC to track your computer use and personal habits
A type of hidden program that is downloaded to your computer without your knowledge, and then used to "spy" on you in various ways, for example, by recording your keystrokes, sniffing out personal information such as bank or credit card numbers, or keeping track of which websites you visit. It then secretly transmits that information back to the no good scumbag who put it on your computer and ought to hang by his toenails.
software that gathers information secretly about a computer user and relays that information covertly to someone else; can infiltrate a computer as a software virus or be hidden within a program; can monitor keystrokes, gather email addresses, and capture passwords and credit card numbers
Software loaded on a computer with a secondary program that transmits data to outside parties without the user's knowledge.
Spyware is harmful software with the intention of taking partial control of a user’s computer without the user’s permission and is designed to exploit the infected computer for commercial gain. It is different from a virus or a worm because it does not self-replicate.
Software that automatically installs on a computer—in most cases, when downloading freeware or shareware—without the owner's knowledge or consent. Once installed, spyware monitors a user's activity, most often for advertising purposes. It also slows down system performance and even can be used to gather personal information.
Sometimes referred to as "adware". Spyware is software that gathers information via your internet connection, typically without your knowledge. The information may be used for advertising, to track your movements, etc.. At the very least, spyware can have a very adverse effect on your computer's performance and can interfere with your network connection. You can combat Spyware by becoming familiar with this spyware removal information.
Spyware is a computer program that gets installe don your computer and spies on you. It may compromise personal information, such as passwords, or log your surfing habits to show you "pop-up windows" with advertising.
Spyware is any software that secretly gathers user information and transmits this to unknown parties over the Internet without the user's knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware is typically hidden inside certain programmes that can be downloaded from the Internet, which means users often install it unwittingly while they are busy installing something else. Once installed, the spyware monitors the user's activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else, sometimes for malicious purposes. Anti-spyware programmes such as Microsoft Anti-Spyware can be downloaded free from the Internet and are used to prevent spyware from running on a user's computer. Back to the top
Spyware is any software or program that employs a user's Internet connection in the background (the so-called "backchannel") without their knowledge or explicit permission. Silent background use of an Internet "backchannel" connection requires a complete and truthful disclosure of backchannel usage, followed by the receipt of explicit, informed consent for such use. If permission is not obtained, the act is considered to be information theft.
Software that can display advertisements (such as pop-up ads), collect information about you (such as passwords or surfing habits), or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.
Software that is secretly installed without your knowledge that is used to track what you are doing without your consent or is used to gather data from your computer. It is highly recommended that you use spyware software to routinely check and remove spyware that may be on your computer. You can download a free anti-spyware program from Microsoft to use on your computer.
Spyware is software installed on your computer that spys on your personal information. Script: Series of program instructions to automate a task that typically a user can perform using a program Stealth Virus Virus which takes steps to mask its actions or presence
Stand-alone programs that can secretly monitor system activity. These may detect passwords or other confidential information and transmit them to another computer. Spyware can be downloaded from Web sites (typically in shareware or freeware), email messages, and instant messengers. A user may unknowingly trigger spyware by accepting an End User License Agreement from a software program linked to the spyware.
hidden software that transmits information about you or your surfing habits over the internet.
"A software program that surreptitiously sends data to an individual or a company ..." - from The Word Spy.
A software program that monitors a user's computing habits and personal information and sends this information to third parties without the user's authorization or knowledge.
is a software installed without your knowledge or consent, which is used to track your computer usage and online activities.
A malicious program that reports on a user's activities, typically for marketting but sometimes for even less ethical purposes. Often installed in a Trojan Horse manner as a part of another program.
Small programs that secretly monitor sites visited, potentially violating privacy and slowing computers.
a program that sits on your computer monitoring your activity and reporting back
A program that monitors your activities on your computer, without your permission. Some programs are created by hackers and other by companies to gather data about customers.
Malicious software applications which install themselves on a computer without the userâ€(tm)s knowledge, particularly while connected to the Internet. They then record information about the activity on that computer, or worse, let someone else take control of the computer from another location.
Malicious code installed on your computer, often without your knowledge, which has many functions, including tracking your internet usage, harvesting your personal information an allowing "backdoor" access to your computer by hackers.
Term applied to software that exhibits certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer - generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.
Software that compiles information either once, or on a continual basis while you use the software into which it is built. This information is sent via the internet without your knowledge or consent. Typically, this information is used to track your web browsing habits. Spyware can typically be found in Adware. The information gathered is used to select the type of advertising that will be served to you in the Adware program.
Is a program that runs in the background on your hard drive which captures personal information and sends it without your consent.
Hidden software that collects your private information - either by keylogging or by accessing your documents - and then phones home.
This is a generic term that described annoying software which is downloaded onto your computer - normally without your permission.
Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Source: Webopedia - Spyware
Sometimes called adware, spyware is software that covertly gathers information about you and your computer usage and then transmits that information back to someone using your Internet connection, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware is usually installed without the user's knowledge since it is often bundled with freeware or shareware programs downloaded on the Internet (often peer-to-peer filesharing programs). Spyware can monitor keystrokes, scan files on your hard drive, snoop on other software applications, read your cookies, install other spyware programs, etc. In addition to the privacy concerns, spyware can also eat up your computer's resources and network bandwidth, causing your computer and/or network connection to be unstable or crash.
is similar to a keylogger, It can record your keystrokes as you type them, passwords, credit card numbers, sensitive information, where you surf, chat logs, and can even take random screenshots of your activity. It also covertly gathers user information and activity without the user's knowledge. Basically whatever you do on the computer is completely viewable by the spy. You do not have to be connected to the Internet to be spied upon. The latest permutations of Spyware include the use of routines to mail out user activity via e-mail or posting information to the web where the spy can view it at their leisure. Also many spyware vendors use "stealth routines" techniques to avoid detection and removal by popular anti-spy software. In some cases Spyware vendors have gone as far as to counter-attack anti-spy packages in an attempt to stop them functioning. In addition they may use routines to re-install the spyware application after it has been detected.
A program loaded secretly that may seem legitimate. It tracks computer activity, gathers personal details, degrades performance, corrupts data or floods you with advertising.
Spyware often comes with a freeware or shareware program, just like adware, making the distinction between the two a bit vague. Spyware gathers and transmits information about you or about your behaviour to a third party. This data is collected without your knowledge or consent.
This is software that tracks usage and reports it to others, such as advertisers. Usually the tracking is concealed from the user of the software.
These applications secretly track system activity. Often bundled with legitimately useful software--such as the Kazaa Media Desktop client software--spyware can often transmit passwords or other confidential data to a remote computer. Best defense: Anti-spyware software.
A program that records personal information about the user and reports it to a 3rd party. Often used to track browsing habits and deliver ads. The user is usually tricked into installing the spyware. Many times these programs are poorly written and tend to crash or slow down the user's computer.
this is a piece of software which monitors what you do on your computer, usually without your knowledge and often with fraudulent intentions. You can download anti-spyware software to protect your computer.
Software which is secretly installed on a computer and monitors or alters the use of that computer. Spyware is often a trojan program, or installs itself as part of other software downloaded from the Internet.
Software that tracks a user's Web behavior or personal information without the user's knowledge and shares this data with third parties, such as advertisers. Many Internet security experts also apply the term to information-gathering software that installs itself as part of another program, even if the bundling of software and information tracking practices are disclosed to the consumer. These security experts, along with most privacy advocates, believe that such disclosures — which often occur in fine print on installation screens — rarely give users a thorough understanding of what information is being collected and of how a company will use it. Information-gathering software makers disagree.
A general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use spyware to gather data about customers. The practice is generally frowned upon.
A software program that may be installed on your computer without your consent to monitor your use, send pop-up ads, redirect your computer to certain websites, or record keystrokes, which could lead to identity theft.
These are programs/files that may already reside on your PC. These programs often arrive as hidden components of "free" programs. They monitor web usage and report back to bona-fide companies who may then sell the aggregated statistics. They are relatively benign but in their more extreme forms can include key-stroke logging and virtual snooping on all your PC activity. Users can download free anti-spyware.
Spyware is any application that makes potentially unwanted changes to your computer while collecting information about your computer activities. This information may then be sent to a third party for malicious purposes, without your knowledge or consent. Spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through e-mail or instant messenger, as an ActiveX installation, or by someone with access to your computer. Unlike traditional personalization or session cookies, spyware is difficult to detect, and difficult (if not impossible) for the average user to remove without the use of a top-quality anti-spyware program.
Spyware is a general term used for software that performs certain behaviors such as advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent.
Cookies or programs that track your surfing habits and use your internet connection to send this data to a third party. They can profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser start page or pages, alter important system files, and can do this without your knowledge or permission. The security and privacy implications of these exploits should be quite obvious and undesirable on any system or network.
1. Term used to describe a software program that is intentionally installed on the computer by a user to monitor or spy on what other users of the same computer are doing. 2. A term used to describe a software program that has been designed to track a user's activity without the user fully understanding the intentions of the program or not knowing about its installation. Spyware programs are often used to help with tracking users' habits and help with delivering proper advertisements to a user. Spyware is installed onto a user's machine when installing free programs such as free music sharing programs, visiting web pages such as adult oriented web pages, and through other downloads and plug-ins on the Internet.
A general term for a program that is secretly installed (or masquerades as something harmless) which monitors a users actions online.
Software that is often difficult to detect and sometimes records and sends information about web-browsing habits to a server.
Tracking software that is put onto your computer for the purpose of gathering your personal information without your consent. Spyware can track the Web pages that you visit and the files that you download so a profile can be created of you. This information can then be sold or passed on to advertisers or other third-parties without your permission. Hackers can also use spyware to access your computer so they can launch attacks or steal or corrupt your personal information.
Software that gathers information from your computer such as your surfing habits, computer usage and personal information. Spyware may actually be installed without your knowledge or permission. See our Links web page for our recommended spyware removal software.
Spyware is any application that collects information about your computer activities and then sends that information to another individual or company without your knowledge or permission. Spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through email or instant messenger, as an Active X install, or by someone with access to your computer. Once on your drive, spyware secretly installs itself and goes to work. Unlike traditional personalization or session cookies, spyware is difficult to detect, and difficult (if not impossible) for the average user to remove.
Spyware is any program downloaded to your computer that tracks what you do on line. Most spyware downloads without your knowledge while you install something else. There are special programs like 'Spybot' and 'Adaware' that block spyware and adware. Adware is like Spyware, but specifically causes pop-up ads.
Software that monitors a computers use.
is software that collects information about a computer user and may also modify the operation of a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent.
A technology that assists in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet, "spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties." As such, spyware is cause for public concern about privacy on the Internet. (From reach.ucf.edu/~coursdev/cdrom/html/help/glossary.html)
Software that covertly installs then gathers user information through the users internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes but sometimes for more malicious reasons.
A program that monitors your Internet activity and transmits that information to someone else. Page top
Software that you install on your computer, often without you realising, that sends information on your software and internet usage to outside companies. This information may be used for marketing / advertising.
Programs often known to cause advertisement pop-ups. Spyware is also used to track internet user's actions. The habits, names, codes, and other personal information is also sometimes gathered and either used or sent to other people or software that will then use it (with - or more often without the concent of those whose informmation was gathered). Similar to Adware. .
Spyware is an application that comes attached with downloaded software developed by an Internet-based vendor. It records and sends information stored on your PC to the vendor, without your knowledge. The vendor can sell or use this information for its own advantage.
Spyware is commonly known as malicious software installed on a machine, sometimes with a user's consent. Some software producers and webmasters who offer downloadable content put spyware in executable downloads in order to earn a profit from a third party or track the activity of a user. Spyware can be removed with free products like AdAware and Spybot. Websitenova does NOT distribute spyware or adware. Anything downloaded from this site, unless otherwise mentioned, should be clean.
Spyware is a broad category of malicious software designed to intercept or take partial control of a computer's operation without the informed consent of that machine's owner or legitimate user. While the term taken literally suggests software that surreptitiously monitors the user, it has come to refer more broadly to software that subverts the computer's operation for the benefit of a third party. Spyware differs from viruses and worms in that it does not usually self-replicate. Like many recent viruses, however, spyware is designed to exploit infected computers for commercial gain. Typical tactics furthering this goal include delivery of unsolicited pop-up advertisements; theft of personal information (including financial information such as credit card numbers); monitoring of Web-browsing activity for marketing purposes; or routing of HTTP requests to advertising sites.
Also called adware, spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without their knowledge. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about email addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install the product when they install something else. Because spyware exists as independent executable programs, they have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on the hard drive, snoop other applications, such as chat programs or word processors, install other spyware programs, read cookies, change the default home page on the browser, consistently relaying this information back to the spyware author who will either use it for advertising/marketing purposes or sell the information to another party. See also: Spyware Removal Software Blocking Browser Helper Objects in Internet Explorer Viruses Trojan horse Denial of Service Critical Security Updates
Also known as "adware": A program hidden within free downloaded software that transmits user information via the Internet to advertisers.
A program that gathers information and can be 'silently' installed and run in 'stealth' mode. This kind of software is used to gather information from a user's machine, such as recorded keystrokes (passwords), a list of websites visited by the user, applications installed on the machine, the version of operating system, registry settings, etc.
Software containing a trojan horse which monitors your system or your net browsing activity and sends the results to the author of the spyware. Once used only by crackers, spyware is now used by mainstream companies to collect marketing information.
Undesirable or unwanted software installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent.
Spyware refers to programs that gather and transmit the user's personal details or behavior to a third party, often without the user's knowledge or consent. Like adware, it often installs as a third-party component bundled with freeware or shareware, creating a fuzzy distinction between the two.
Spyware is the name for any software which gathers information on a user's browsing and Internet usage habits without their permission. See here if you believe you may have spyware on your computer. See also Malware.
Software whose function includes transmitting personal information to a third party without the user's knowledge or consent. This usage is distinct from the common usage of spyware to represent commercial software that has security or privacy implications. See PUPs.
Often installed on your computer without your knowledge. It is an unwanted by-product of an application designed to gather information about you. Spyware can record what you do and can be used to gather credit card details and personal information that could be used by nefarious people to carry out identity theft. Spyware is sometimes likened to a trojan and some anti-virus vendors actually regard this as malware and will automatically remove it from the system. SQL Injection - Basically when a low privileged user interactively executes PL/SQL commands on the database server by adding additional syntax into standard arguments, which is then passed to a particular function enabling enhanced privileges.
Spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programmes that can be downloaded from the internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about email addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that users unwittingly install it when they install another product. A common way to be-come a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today. Aside from the questions of ethics and privacy, spyware steals from the user by using the computer;s memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware’s home base via the user’s internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.
Software installed (usually surreptitiously) as part of another application installation specifically to monitor and report back on a computer's use.
Software that collects personal information without your knowledge or permission. You might be the target of spyware or other unwanted software if you download music from file-sharing programs, free games from sites you don't trust, or other software from an unknown source.
Spyware is software that collects information about your internet usage. It is often installed without your knowledge after you have clicked on an unknown link or attachment in an email carrying a Trojan. Anti-spyware software can identify and remove spyware from your computer.
Spyware is software that transmits information back to a third party without notifying the user. It is also called malware, trackware, hijackware, scumware, snoopware or thiefware. Note: Some privacy advocates also call legitimate access control, filtering, Internet monitoring, password recovery, security or surveillance software "spyware" because it could be used without notifying the users.
Software that monitors a user's system or Internet browsing activity without the user's knowledge or consent.
These commercial software applications are installed along with sponsored advertising or various information collection systems. The risks from these applications include the collection of usually unsolicited information, unauthorized traffic, and potential conflicts with existing corporate software. For more information on Spyware see: What is spyware
A program that covertly gathers user information usually for marketing purposes. Spyware has become a real threat in recent years as it slows down machines and internet connections.
A somewhat vague term generally referring to software that is secretly installed on a users computer and that monitors use of the computer in some way without the users' knowledge or consent. Most spyware tries to get the user to view advertising and/or particular web pages. Some spyware also sends information about the user to another machine over the Internet. Spyware is usually installed without a users' knowledge as part of the installation of other software, especially software such as music sharing software obtained via download.
Spyware is a program that secretly gathers information about the user of a system for malicious purposes. Spyware can be installed without the user's knowledge via free downloads or virus-infected programs.
Computer software hidden in a computer with the purpose of collecting information about the use of the computer.
A program that sits on the user's machine collecting information about their activities without them knowing.
Software downloaded on user's computer for the purpose of collecting and reporting data.
A spyware is a program that monitors and gathers user information for different purposes. Spyware programs usually run in the background, with their activities transparent to most users. Many users inadvertently agree to installing spyware by accepting the End User License Agreement (EULA) on certain free software. Many users consider spyware an invasive form of data gathering. Spyware may also cause a general degradation in both network connection and system performance. The state of California classifies spyware as: programs that are installed under deceptive circumstances; software that hides in personal computers; software that secretly monitors user activity; keylogging software; and software that collects Web browsing histories.
Software unknowingly installed on a PC that secretly monitors the user's actions. Spyware can range from the benign, such as a cookie tracking a user's Internet habits, to the malicious, such as a PC hijacker.
This is software that gathers your information through your Internet connection without your knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors your Internet activity and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware is similar to a Trojan horse in that customers unwittingly install the product when they install something else. A common way to become a victim of spyware is to download certain peer-to-peer file swapping products that are available today. For more information visit our Antivirus section.
Computer software that obtains information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent.
A somewhat vague term generally referring to deceitful software that is secretly installed on a userâ€(tm)s computer and that monitors use of the computer in some way without the userâ€(tm)s knowledge or consent. Most spyware tries to get the user to view advertising and/or particular Web pages. Some spyware also sends information about the user to another machine over the Internet.
Spyware is software that is downloaded onto your computer (often without your knowledge). It can be used by third parties including criminals to monitor your internet activities which could compromise the security of your personal information.
Spyware is software that is intended to gather data about a user without their permission and transmit it over the Internet to the person(s) who wrote the spyware. Spyware is often installed with another program that the user wished to install, like a freeware or shareware game download. Spyware represents a significant security risk and can also cause dramatic decreases in system performance.
Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent. The term, coined in 1995 but not widely used for another five years, is often used interchangeably with adware and malware (software designed to infiltrate and damage a computer respectively).