Computer Spyware is computer malware that infects a user’s computer without their permission. It can be used to steal your private information to a remote computer server and is known to change settings to include: 1 – The Default Search Engine Home Page, 2 – The computer’s default home page, and 3 – Serve as a means to further infect the computer with additional malware. Unlike other computer viruses, Spyware is not normally designed to self-replicate, but rather is made to exploit security vulnerabilities on your computer. Recent developments in computer spyware have seen fake anti-spyware programs deployed in order to trick a user into downloading additional spyware to their computer.

Types of Computer Spyware

Adware

Adware is one of the most common types of spyware on the Internet. Adware normally waits for the user to go online and then displays unsolicited advertisements in the form of pop-up, pop-under, and pop-over advertisements. It also records what websites you visit and sends back to remote computer servers. Some adware variants are knowingly installed by computer users while others are not.

Browser Hijack
Many variants of spyware will hijack your web browser and change your default homepage to one determined by the author of the spyware. Many will also hijack the uniform resource locator (URL) for the major search engines so that your browser is redirected to fake search sites chosen by the spyware author. Browser hijackers will also display unsolicited advertisements upon opening the web browser and send records of your web browser to a remote web server.

Keyboard Logger
Keyboard loggers are designed in order to steal your private information. They are capable of recording the information used to access your bank records, email, and any other website that you use a password or pin number to access. Keyboard loggers are one of the most dangerous variants of computer Spyware due to their ability to steal your private information.

Modem Hijackers

Although these are becoming less prevalent with the migration of Internet users to broadband Internet connections, modem hijacking Spyware still exists. This variant of spyware normally infects your computer as a payload of a Trojan virus or through a peer-to-peer file sharing network. They are also referred to as “Dialers.” Once your computer is infected with a Dialer, the Spyware will dial long distance, premium rated phone numbers that cost you a significant amount of money if not detected early.

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