Spyware

What is a spyware?

As Wikipedia says,
Spyware is a software that aims to gather information from person or organization without their knowledge, that may send such information to another entity without the consumer's consent, or that asserts control over a device without the consumer's knowledge.

Spywares can be categorized into four main groups.

• Adware
• Trojans
• System monitors
• Tracking cookies

How do they come?

Spyware is often bundled with other software or downloads on file-sharing sites or they may be installed when you open an email attachment. Because of the secretive nature of spyware, most people are not aware when spyware is on a computer.

Spyware uses your Internet connection to get personal information such as your name, address, browsing habits, preferences, interests or downloads etc. Other forms of spyware, hijack your browser to point it to another website, cause your device to place calls or send texts automatically, or serve annoying ads even when you are offline. Spyware that steals your username, password or other credentials is referred to as a “keylogger” – an insidious prerequisite for cyber crime.

How to find them? 

Newly created unidentifiable icons may appear in the task bar at the bottom of your screen, while searches may result in you being redirected to a different search engine. 
Random error messages appear when you perform operations that previously worked fine. 
But the best way to identify if you have been infected is to use a spyware scanner, which will be included in any spyware removal software.

Spyware Applications

1. "Stealware" and affiliate fraud ->
Spyware which attacks affiliate networks places the spyware operator's affiliate tag on the user's activity – replacing any other tag, if there is one

2. Identity theft and fraud

3.Digital rights management

4.Personal relationships

5.Browser cookies

How to remove? 

Antivirus software can find and remove any spyware on your computer, since these usually include anti-spyware protection as well as spyware removal tools. You can also check Programs and Features for items that don't belong on your computer.

How to prevent? 

• Use antivirus and anti-spyware software.
•  Adjust browser security settings higher
  
• Be very wary of pop-ups
• Understand that “free" is never free
• Always read terms & conditions
• Ensure that your browser, operating system, and software have the latest updates and security patches.
• Use extreme caution if you frequent file-sharing sites