Glossary About Spyware

Spyware Defined

The term 'Spyware' is often used to denote a broad range of malware programs that spans adware, backdoors, dialers, droppers, exploits, hijackers and trojans. At its mildest, spyware may swamp your computer screen with a barrage of unwanted adverts. At its worst it has the potential to steal important personal information such as online banking details and credit card information.

Some types of spyware are harder to get rid of than others. These types apply various advanced techniques such as random file naming, secondary programs and hidden files in order to elude detection. Fortunately, it's not too difficult to deal with spyware once you have SpyNoMore on your side. Not only does SpyNoMore ensure removal of existing spyware, it also protects your computer against future intrusions. Additionally, SpyNoMore has a very advanced spyware removal feature called CustomFix which can be used to remove stubborn infections. CustomFix allows our highly qualified technicians to manually remove spyware programs from your computer.

If you suspect that your computer is infected with spyware, Click Here! now to scan your PC.

Spyware GlossaryAdware:

Adware is software that installs itself on a computer and then bombards the user indiscriminately with adverts (pop ups, banners, highlighted text links). Sites that offer free software or pornography are common sources of adware. If you notice your web browser's home page or toolbar has been changed in some way shortly after downloading a piece of software or if browsing the web becomes slower, it could well be a telltale sign that adware has been installed on the PC in this way.Click Here!

Backdoor:

A Backdoor is a program that enters the computer and creates a backdoor through which it is possible to control the affected system without the user noticing. A very popular tool with hackers!Click Here!

Dialer:

A Dialer is a program that dials premium rate phone lines without user awareness or permission, often with the intent of gaining access to pornographic material.Click Here!

Dropper:

Also known as a Trojan Downloader, a Dropper is a file created specifically to introduce a spyware program, virus, worm or Trojan into a system.Click Here!

Exploit:

An Exploit is a file that will take advantage of design flaws (vulnerabilities) in software in order to hack a system. The exploit may be used to perform a number of different actions such as downloading worms and Trojans, accessing confidential data or crashing the software (Denial of Service) depending on the nature and severity of the vulnerability. The best way to protect against Exploits is to frequently run the Windows Update feature built into Microsoft Windows to download all of Microsoft's recent security updates.Click Here!

Hijacker:

Hijackers fall into two categories. Homepage Hijackers change user's homepage to some unfamiliar site. Search Hijackers re-direct user's searches to paying affiliates in order to collect advertising revenues.Click Here!

Key Logger:

Also known as a keystroke logger, a Key Logger is a program that records user's keystrokes with the intention of capturing sensitive information such as login information and credit card details. If you use an online banking service these Key Logger programs could be used to record your account number and password to gain access to your bank account. The logged files are e-mailed to the person who planted the logging software.Click Here!

Malware:

A term used interchangeably with 'Spyware'.Click Here!

Spyware:

Spyware programs collect information about users' browsing activity, preferences and interests. The data collected is sent to the creator of the application or sold to third-parties, often with the intent of targeting the users with advertisements. Spyware is often installed without user's consent and awareness.Click Here!

Ransomware:

Ransomware programs fall into two categories. The first can lock up files on your system and demand payment (ransom) to unlock them back. The second and more common type makes use of a Trojan to install malware programs on your computer. These malware programs become a real nuisance (annoy you with warning messages claiming computer infection, computer errors) and try to force you into paying for the full version of the program in order to have those problems removed. Some of the most infamous Ransomware programs are: Click Here! , Spy Guard, Malware Wipe and Spy Heal. These sinister programs are normally installed without user's consent by means of the Click Here!

Trojan:

A Trojan is a program that enters computers appearing to be a harmless program, installs itself and carries out actions that affect user confidentiality.Click Here!

Virus:

Viruses are programs that can enter computers or IT systems in a number of ways, causing effects that range from simply annoying to highly-destructive and irreparable. Viruses replicate and send themselves out to infect other computers that are accessible from the infected machine.
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Worm:

Worms are similar to viruses, but it differs in that all they do not replicate.Click Here!