Your computer is like a safe; instead of money or jewelry, though, you have important, and private, information stored inside. Spyware is malicious software that enters your computer without your knowledge or by misrepresenting itself as a legitimate program. Its goal is to crack your safe; spyware, a form of malware, is designed to access your system. While there are differences within malware programs, the main objective is to gain access to your system for commercial gain. How do they do this?

What is Spyware?

AOL and the National Cyber-Security Alliance found that, in 2005, 61 percent of computers were infected with some form of spyware, and 92 percent of the users were not aware of its presence. Spyware is aptly named because its primary function is to collect data from your computer. A spyware program may, for instance, track your internet usage and browsing history. This is done to develop targeted advertising strategies.

Windows Problem Remover, Windows Health Center, Antivirus.NET, Internet Optimizer, and WinTools are all examples of spyware, but new programs are developed frequently. This is why it is important to know the typical behaviors of spyware programs so you can learn to avoid them.

What Does Spyware Do?

Some spyware programs serve only to track your internet use in order to sell the data to advertisers. Others are designed to access your private data. Of these, keylogging programs are most malicious. These can record passwords and other sensitive information, including bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and more. Each rogue spyware program has its own defining characteristics, but they generally work in very similar ways. You may notice:

Slower performance. When spyware is downloaded or installed in your system, it is typically configured to launch whenever you boot up your computer. It then runs in the background; you can't see it, but it is diverting your system resources from your legitimate programs.
Pop-up ads. These are designed to convince you of serious security threats and persuade you to purchase the "full protection" of the particular program. These programs do not offer any threat resolution or protection.
Changed configurations on your desktop and/or browser. You may notice different toolbars in your browser that you never downloaded. There may be new icons on your desktop or system tray. These are tools of the spyware program and aimed at leading you to a pop-up or rogue site, where you are urged to purchase the ultimately useless program.
Other infections. Rarely does one spyware program cause instability in a computer system. It can, however, allow other forms of malware to exploit the security vulnerabilities. It is likely that if you notice these signs, there is more than one spyware program installed in your system.

Where Does Spyware Come From?

Spyware is typically delivered to your computer via trojan, and there are different sources where you may encounter these trojans. Some of the most common:

Video codecs or music files. Sometimes the trojans are disguised as necessary codecs that you need to access the video. When you choose to install, however, the trojan can enter.
Spam emails and attachments.
Affected websites. These can include sites with gaming, pirated, peer-to-peer, or adult content. Trojans can be hidden in the banners and ads, videos, or images.
Malicious websites. These are created solely to download malware and urge computer users to buy rogue programs. Search results for trending topics typically contain several of these malicious sites.

Spyware is an inconvenience and nuisance at best. When you notice signs like those described above, take immediate action to remove spyware from your system.