Spyware

is computer software, script or any other form of a program that gathers information about a computer user without his or her knowledge. Spyware usually is linked to freeware or shareware programs, which can be downloaded freely from the internet. However, not all downloadable software is infected with spyware. Once spyware is installed on your computer (without your awareness) it monitors your internet activity and transmits your information to someone else. It is quite possible that even such information as your e-mail address, passwords or credit card information will be exposed. Spyware can come in many forms. Most common forms are: Adware Networks are the most common form of parasitic malicious software. Ad serving networks pay publishers per download to include various malware in their ad service. Trojan Horses mainly come with the ad network basic software. Trojans are tools used to remotely spy and control computers with abilities to make severe damages. Cookies are the least malicious form of spyware. While there is no way to send out the most crucial information through cookies, they are still able to expose other sensitive personal information of computer users. The main problem is that Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer would still send out existing cookies even after they have been disabled in the browser settings.