The Different Types Of Spyware

Most people computer useres refer to spyware in very general terms. They often just see it as all the same thing without understanding the subtleties between the different types of spyware that can infect your computer. It's important that you understand the security and data safety implications that different types of spyware have. Some types of spyware are just plain old annoying and some of them could potentially cost you thousands of dollars in phone calls. Let's look at the differnt threats your PC might experience.

Adware
The most common type of spyware. These are small programs which sit on your computer waiting for you to go online. Once the adware detects that you're connected to the Internet it starts sending you popup, popover and popunder ads for anything from airline tickets to porn site membership. Not only that but information on your viewing habits is tracked and stored. This data is then sold on to marketing companies who will send you more junk email and popup ads than you ever thought possible.

Browser Hijack
These are just plain annoying. These install themselves on your computer and change your default homepage and search engine to something else. Every time you start your web browser it will bring you to a page filled with ads, porn or other unwanted material. This interrupts your web browsing and is intensely annoying. Most browser hijackers are also data miners. A data mining program reports your web browsing habits to a central database. This information is then sold on to marketing companies.

Keyboard Logger
These programs are designed for one thing - theft. When you log in to your online banking these can record your PIN number. When you check your private email account these programs can record your password. Anything you type online or offline can be stored or transmitted without your knowledge or permission. Keyboard loggers are one of the most damaging pieces of spyware because of the potential financial dangers. There is also a huge risk of identity theft. I personally know of one case where a 10 year old boy used a keyboard logger to steal his fathers credit card and banking information and signed up for multiple online services.

Modem Hijacker
Potentially the most costly spyware. Modem hijackers are also referred to as diallers. Diallers normally install themselves to your computer via a virus infection or from warez, mp3 or adult websites. A dialler is a small piece of software that will dial long distance, premium rate phone numbers when you're not at your PC. These phone numbers are normally for adult chat line services located in Russia, China, South America and the Phillipines. I have personally seen unlucky victims receive $2,000 telephone bills for one month of telephone calls.

The most worrying aspect of spyware is not knowing whether or not your computer is infested with it. Computer users need to be pro-active in this regard. Scan your PC with a high quality spyware removal program *at least* once per month.

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