Spyware is software installed on a computer without the owner's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by whomever controls the spyware. Spyware can be broken down into two different categories: - Surveillance spyware includes key loggers, screen capture devices, and trojans.
- Advertising spyware is software that is installed with other pieces of software or via the internet, often without the owner's knowledge, or without full disclosure of what it does. Advertising spyware logs information about the user.
Similar to spam, advertising spyware uses the computer's resources to function. It utilizes the computer's bandwidth to connect to the internet and upload information it has gathered, and to download advertisements. The advertisements are delivered by either pop up windows, or with the ad banners of ad-supported software.
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