Adware and spyware definitions list is very long. But the definitions below are the most common. There is a glossary of spyware facts and terms so you know what these malicious programs are and what they can do for your computer.
Adware
Adware components are typically installed with freeware or shareware programs that you download. The adware developer creates pop up windows that generate Advertisementincome for them. Most adware components are installed with user consent. This happens because most people never read the user license agreement that comes with software.
Spyware
Spyware is installed most often included with freeware or shareware, just like adware. Spyware programs gather and transmit sensitive personal information about your online behavior to an unknown party. Data are collected withouteven knowing it happened. When you discover the damage is done and the hacker is long gone.
Browser Hijackers
Browser hijackers are innocently installed as browser toolbars useful. They can change the settings of your browser and can change your home page by default to point to a site that generates revenue for the attacker.
Trojan Horse Programs
Trojans sneak into your system and run without realizing it like spyware. Programmers usethese programs for a number of malicious uses and not one of them would agree with you. The good thing is the Trojans do not reproduce themselves.
Tracking Cookies
Tracking cookies are files with small amounts of data such as passwords and settings. Tracking cookies can be an advantage for you especially if you revisit the same Web sites. But in the wrong hands, cookies are used to track your Internet behavior without your knowledge or consent and provides marketers withprivate information about you.
Keyloggers
Keyloggers are programs that run in the background silently recording all your keystrokes. Once keystrokes are logged, the hacker uses a program keyloggers remotely to retrieve the data later. The hacker can get your passwords, numbers of credit card and other personal information on your computer.
Malware
The definition of malware is a malicious software or program that will harm your computer. Computer viruses, worms andTrojans are all considered malware, but several other types of programs may also be included in the term.
Password Cracker
A password cracker is simply a program used to decrypt a password or password file. Security administrators use password crackers for legitimate use by using them to improve system security. But the dangers inherent in a hacker obtains such a program is unimaginable.
There are numerous other spyware definitions including scumware, annoyanceware,parasites and the list continues to grow each day.
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