The definitions listed below are a few of the most common spyware and malware your are most likely to come across. I will only be listing the most widely known ones as there is quite a lengthy list.
This list is to provide you with the facts and information of the most widely known malicious programs today and what you are to expect from them. On my site you will be able to choose from some of the best Spyware Blockers available today to assist you in the never ending battle against Malicious code.
- Adware
Adware developers usually will create pop-up windows displaying advertisements in order for them to generate revenue. In order for them to do this, they usually couple their adware programs with dodgy freeware and shareware software applications that you might download.
The majority of end-users do not know or realise this as they hardly ever read the end-user licence agreements that comes with the software and in not doing so, the user installs some adware components without their consent.
- Spyware
Spyware is alot like Adware in that it frequently gets installed along with shareware or freeware software. Spyware collects personal information and sensitive data about your online and even offline doings and sends it to an unnamed source without you, the user, even knowing about it.
The scary part is that most of the times when you realise this, it’s already too late and the cracker or hacker has already disappeared.
- Browser Hijackers
Browser hijackers is able to alter your browser’s settings and change your browser’s home webpage to direct to a website that yields income for the person or hijacker involved. They usually and innocently get installed as toolbars pretending to be helpful.
- Trojan Horse Programs
Similar to those pesky spyware programs, Trojan Horse applications will sneak into your PC and will run in the background without you knowing a damn thing. You would not approve of any one thing the hackers use Trojan horses for.
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