|
The term
Malware is used to
describe any program that is designed to
do harm, although there are different
schools of thought as to what is
actually harmful.
Adware,
Spyware, Viruses, Trojans, Pop-Ups, and
even spam have all qualified as
computer virus malware.
There are
two distinct flavors of Adware. Software
supported with advertising is one form
or the other more malicious sort. The
latter is often termed an Adware Virus
whereas the first is just called Adware.
The first
could be a useful utility released free
of charge but using advertising to
generate revenue to support development
- similar to TV advertisements. You do
not have to watch but if you do you get
commercials along with content. Often
this type of software is also available
in an advertisement free version for a
modest price.
The more
malicious flavor of Adware virus
monitors your browsing and then delivers
so called targeted advertisements. This
category of software may be considered a
type of spyware, especially if it's
installed without your knowing and
agreement.
When does
adware become spyware - well that a
somewhat gray area. A number of software
vendors claim that disclosing the
inclusion of this type of software in
the user agreement grants legal consent
for its installation. Having said that,
how many of us actually read the small
print before installing software!
A Spyware
virus on the other hand, can have a more
insidious meaning. The term Spyware, can
refer to software which does much more
than simply monitor a user's browsing
habits. It can often redirect your
browser to completely different sites
the majority of which are advertising
sites.
This form
of Spyware virus is nearly always
installed without the user's knowledge
and hidden within another program. It
can also arrive as the payload of a worm
or virus. It's also illegal in many
countries. In the U.S. the Federal Trade
Commission or FTC has indicted, and in
some cases convicted, several purveyors.
Some
software suppliers will require that the
user install spyware as part of a
package. Its inclusion is declared in
the user agreement but users do not have
the option of not installing it. If the
user wants the main program they have to
install the spyware as well. File
sharing utilities like Kazaa or
BearShare are notorious for this
practice.
The spyware
installed with these, and many other,
programs collect information in respect
of web browsing habits and then deliver
targeted advertising to the user.
Targeted advertising is designed to be
presented to specific groups, selected
by analyzing their buying or browsing
habits. Selections are made by
discovering gender, age or frequently
visited sites or by various other
undisclosed criteria.
Spyware
vendors argue that it does not collect
specific personal information and there
is an active debate as to whether it
constitutes legitimate market analysis
or a violation of personal privacy..
The
majority of users find it annoying and
intrusive. However, advertisers claim it
to be the best way to deliver products
and services to potential new customers
who may actually end up buying what is
offered. Legally, they assert, it is
just another form of free speech. Users
on the other hand respond that the
advertisers free speech does not reach
to their browser or email Inbox.
Click here for a
Free Spyware Scan now
|
