What is Spyware?

Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge or consent. The use of Spyware on the Internet has become a major security and safety issue for users. Spyware programming is placed on a person’s computer to secretly gather information about them and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Information that can be uncovered through Spyware includes, but is not limited to, a person’s name, social security number, credit card or bank information, and passwords.

Spyware is usually installed on a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program from an Internet download. Persons with Spyware on their computer do not even need to be connected to the Internet for information to be gathered. It can be recorded anytime you use your computer and then transmitted when an Internet connection is established. Most Spyware, however, is used while you are online.