| Adware is usually not as malicious as spyware but it is still a harmful form of spyware. Adware is an advertising program that is commonly downloaded and installed by the user. Adware is generally embedded in a program that unsuspecting users download. Adware is frequently bundled with file sharing programs, background images and screensavers. There is a chance that the desired freeware program or application will be deleted with the adware.
|
| A tool that helps protect your computer system from a spyware infection. Spyware prevention or protection software will identify and delete spyware programs without disruption to your system.
|
| Also referred to as "Homepage Hijackers". These little mites will change your browser's homepage to another webpage. Browser hijackes can also change other browser settings, making you go to porn sites. They can also take the form of pop-up advertising, redirect users to other web sites, or redirect your Internet search to a fee based search engine web site.
|
| Cookies are pieces of data that are produced or generated by a web server and then stored on your computer for future use or access. Cookies were initially developed to enable users to fully customize their Internet experience. Unfortunately, there are some web sites that embed adware cookies that can store your personal or financial information. Some adware cookies store and access your personal information, web surfing habits, usernames, passwords and other details. Your stored information can be shared with many other websites and your accounts accessed as a result. Marketing firms can create profiles based on the personal information they collect from unsuspecting web surfers.
|
| If you're on a dial up connection, dialers have the capability to interrupt the connection and reconnect you to the Internet using an expensive toll or an international phone number. Dialers don't spy on your Internet activities, but they may use your number to make long distance calls for porn. Dialers run silently in the background, you never know they are there.
|
| This happens when software programs are downloaded and installed, without the computer users knowledge or consent.
|
| The scrambling of data making it difficult to read, interpret or unscramble.
|
| This protection prevents known threats from taking over your computer system. Firewall software is available for a single computer or a network. A firewall software program analyzes data or information that is passing between users. Firewall software protection rejects communication attempts if it doesn't conform to configured Protocols.
|
| provide extremely effective protection against spyware programs like Trojans, which can hide in legal software applications, then install and launch themselves without the users assistance, permission or knowledge.
|
| Also known as a Browser Hijacker programs. Can controls the way your Internet browser is used, even changing your home page and redirecting you to other sites that may require a fee to search the Internet.
|
| The interest individuals have in controlling the data that is collected online about them.
|
| A program that records the keyboard keystrokes you make while using your computer. Keyloggers can record your e-mail messages, chat activity, instant messages, passwords and usernames. They make it possible for another person to view your online activity including capturing your usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and even your Social Security number.
|
| A system driver that links to the Networking system for Microsoft Windows systems computers. It can access all the data entered and exiting through the network interfaces.
|
| The operating system or operating environment is the software that allows users to interact with their computers. The operating system is software that controls your computers storage, communications and of course task management functions. Examples of the most popular operating systems include: MS-Dos, Windows, Linux, MacOs, Dos and OS.
|
| relates to information like your name, address, telephone number, credit card data, bank account data or your Social Security number.
|
| A statement of responsibility of organizations that are collecting personal information and the rights of people whose information is being collected. In general this means that an entity will provide an explanation of what the collected information will be used for and what procedure will be followed to limit improper disclosure. This also means that individuals will be able to get their own data and make corrections if needed.
|
| The interest people have in securing personal space that is free from the interference of other people and or organizations.
|
| Often appear in spam emails but do not work or are fake. This happens when you are responding to an option to be removed from an e-mail list of a subscription. This can actually result in receiving even more spam before the attempt to be removed.
|
| Software that is distributed and available for evaluation purposes with out charge, but does require payment to the author for full version rights. When you use unregistered shareware software programs after the trial period has expired it's called pirating.
|
| Unsolicited bulk e-mail. Spam is generally sent in bulk through what are called "open-relays" to millions of people. Spam is called cost-shifted advertisements. Spam takes it time consuming toll on Internet users and Internet Service Providers or (ISP's.) Spamers now have the ability to send unsolicited text messages to cell phone users.
|
| Any software application or program that makes unwanted changes on a users computer as it collects information about the users activities. The data that has been collected can be sent to a third party for identity theft or other criminal activity. Spyware can arrive bundled or embedded into other legal or free software programs. It can also come with shareware, freeware, e-mail an Active X installation or instant messenger. Someone who wants access to your computer system can install a Spyware software program. |
