Spyware and Adware Glossary

Adware

Adware is ad-serving system built-in a computer program. It is used by software developers of ad-supported software, and displays disturbing advertisements whenever the program is running. Adware does not necessarily harm your computer, but its activity can be annoying. Read more details about adware ...

There are various anti-adware tools available to detect and remove adware (e.g. Ad-Aware).


Blog

Blog is an abbreviation of a "Web Log". Blog is a journal that is frequently updated and intended for a public attention.


Bundled software

Bundled software is an arrangement in which more software programs are included together in one package. The reason may be selling strategy, technical, or any other business reason. While bundling itself is a regular business practice, many instances of spyware installations come via bundling.


Cookie

Cookie is a little file used for storing an internet related information (such as login information and passwords, or your previous activity on a web site) on your local hard disk. Read more about cookies ...


Dataminer

Dataminer is a specially developed piece of software used to search for and collect information from user’s computer. Dataminer can look for email addresses, identity data, credit card numbers etc.


Dialer

Dialer is a software that once downloaded, it disconnects your modem from your usual Internet service provider, and connects to another phone number. You are then billed much higher connection fees than usual. Broadband users are not affected by dialers.

While dialers are not designed to spy users, they are often detected and removed by anti-spyware tools.


Forced Download

Forced download is a process which can open a gate for spyware installation in your computer. A misleading dialogue box serves as a gateway for the stealth installation of spyware program. In some cases, spyware installs even if you decline the action proposed in the dialogue box.


Firewall

Firewall is a software or hardware device which prevents unauthorised access to a computer from the Internet.


Freeware

Freeware is a software that can be downloaded from the Internet and used at no cost. More details about freeware here ...


Hijacker

Hijacker is a program that attempts to take control over user’s computer resources. Hijackers typically act as Browser Hijackers or System Hijackers.


KeyLogger

KeyLogger is designed to monitor your keyboard activity to various degrees. It can capture virtually everything you do on your keyboard, including recording all keystrokes, passwords, outgoing emails, chat room conversations, web sites visited, and programs run.


Opt-In

Opt-in is a process by which you choose to receive information (such as e-mail newsletters) or software. Opt-in happens often by checking a check box on a Web page or software installation screen, or by applying for a free or paid product or service.


Opt-Out

Opt-out is a process (such as un-checking a pre-checked box, or email reply) by which you actively choose not to receive information, such as e-mail newsletters or software. Actively opting-out should prevent a user's information from being a shared with businesses.

You should be warned that many “Opt-Out” options from unsolicited sources can be a scam that serves to confirm user’s active email address. It is recommended that you Opt-Out only when familiar with the source where the email originated.


Peer-to-peer (P2P)

Peer-to-peer is a method of file sharing over an internet network in which individual computers are linked via the Internet or a private network to share programs/files, often illegally. User downloads files directly from the other users' computers. Many P2P supporting programs can include adware, virus, Trojan and datamining infections.


Shareware

Shareware is a software that is distributed for free and on a trial basis. User is encouraged or required to pay for the software after using it for a limited time and/or to unlock full functionality. More about shareware ...


Spyware

Spyware is a piece of software designed to collect information about a person or organization without their knowledge. The collected information is transferred to an unauthorized third party via Internet connection. Read more about spyware ...

There are various anti-spyware tools available to detect and remove spyware (e.g. Spybot S&D).


System Monitor

System Monitor is developed to monitor computer activity. It can capture virtually everything a system or user does on his/her computer.

System Monitor usually runs in background so that users do not know they are being monitored. The information gathered by the system monitor is stored on the computer in an encrypted log file for later retrieval by a third party. Some system monitors can email the log files to another location.

Because of deep integration into operating system, System Monitor has to be installed by someone with administrative access to your computer.


Trojan Horse

Trojan Horse or simply Trojan is a malicious program that appears as harmless or desirable application. Trojan is programmed to damage your data, your software, or your operating system. Trojan can be distributed as a virus, can be attached to email, or bundled with other software (often hacked version of regular software).