| Spyware, Malware or Adware are types of software | | | | way. |
| code downloaded onto your computer. They gather | | | | 4. A form of Malware known as "keyloggers" is used |
| information about you and send it back to the creator | | | | to record every keystroke you make. So every word, |
| of the program. | | | | sentence, password, website, bank account number, |
| Spyware can be used to gather anonymous | | | | credit card details and so on can be recorded. This |
| information about the websites you visit. This harmless | | | | data is then transmitted back and can be used to steal |
| data is aggregated and used by marketing companies | | | | your money or your identity. |
| to better understand consumer trends enabling them | | | | 5. Your e-mail addresses can be stolen and used by |
| to improve the targeting of their offers. | | | | spammers or sold to other criminals. |
| Spyware is also used for malicious purposes. This has | | | | 6. Track every website you visit. |
| a much more sinister goal; to gather personal | | | | 7. Your web browser can be modified, your home |
| information that can be used to defraud you or to | | | | page changed. You can be redirected to malicious |
| annoy you by hijacking your computer's normal | | | | websites which can fraudulently try to persuade you |
| operation. | | | | to enter your credit card details, personal information |
| The dangers of spyware: | | | | and passwords. |
| 1. The software hides itself in your computer and | | | | 8. Adware will cause unwanted pop-ups to continually |
| makes your PC "work" on its behalf. This drains | | | | appear. This can happen even if you have disabled |
| computing power, uses memory and internet | | | | pop-ups on you computer. |
| bandwidth. Your computer operates slowly, taking | | | | An estimated 70% of all computers are infected with |
| frustratingly long to perform even simple tasks. Often | | | | spyware, malware or adware. 90% of these users |
| this is the first indication to a user that their PC is | | | | are unaware that their PC is infected. Little do they |
| infected. | | | | know that every time they switch on their computer |
| 2. It can contaminate legitimate software, deleting, | | | | and begin to surf the web they are vulnerable to fraud |
| modifying or damaging files and programs. Data can | | | | and identity theft. Nor do they realise just how |
| be lost and errors start to appear when programs are | | | | sophisticated cyber criminals are and how ingenious |
| activated. Your computer may crash or freeze. | | | | their methods of deception are in persuading us to |
| 3. Your computer can be hijacked and used to gather | | | | share sensitive data. |
| and process information from other computers. Or if | | | | All computer users need to be vigilant and maintain |
| your computer is infected by "spam trojans", installed | | | | their guard to prevent infection. Good spyware |
| by spyware or worms, it can be used to send spam | | | | blockers should also be used routinely to give added |
| e-mails. Much of the World's spam is distributed in this | | | | protection. |