Spyware+Different+types+of

Spyware Different types of

This is not my work but I thought it was so good I posted it verbatim


 * ParasiteWare**

ParasiteWare is the term for any Adware that by default overwrites certain affiliate tracking links.

These tracking links are used by webmasters to sell products and to help fund websites.

The controversy is centered on companies like WhenU, eBates, and Top Moxie, a popular maker of Adware applications.

These companies have release their software to assist users in getting credit for rebates, cash back shopping, or contributions to funds.

To the end user ParasiteWare represents little in the way of a security threat.


 * Adware**

Adware, also known as an Adbot, can do a number of things from profile your online surfing and spending habits to popping up annoying ad windows as you surf. In some cases Adware has been bundled (i.e. peer‐to‐peer file swapping products) with other software without the userʹs knowledge or slipped in the fine print of a EULA (End User License Agreement).

Not all Adware is bad, but often users are annoyed by adwareʹs intrusive behavior.

Keep in mind that by removing Adware sometimes the program it came bundled with for free may stop functioning.

Some Adware, dubbed a ʺBackDoor Santaʺ may not perform any activity other then profile a userʹs surfing activity for study.

AdWare can be obnoxious in that it performs ʺdrive‐by downloadsʺ.

Drive‐by downloads are accomplished by providing a misleading dialogue box or other methods of stealth installation.

Many times users have no idea they have installed the application.

Often Adware makers make their application difficult to uninstall.


 * Spyware**

Spyware is potentially more dangerous beast than Adware because it can record your keystrokes, history, passwords, and other confidential and private information.

Spyware is often sold as a spouse monitor, child monitor, a surveillance tool or simply as a tool to spy on users to gain unauthorized access.

Spyware is also known as: snoopware, PC surveillance, key logger, system recorders, Parental control software, PC recorder, Detective software and Internet monitoring software.

Spyware covertly gathers user information and activity without the userʹs knowledge.

Spy software can record your keystrokes as you type them, passwords, credit card numbers, sensitive information, where you surf, chat logs, and can even take random screenshots of your activity.

Basically whatever you do on the computer is completely viewable by the spy.

You do not have to be connected to the Internet to be spied upon.

The latest permutations of Spyware include the use of routines to mail out user activity via e‐mail or posting information to the web where the spy can view it at their leisure.

Also many spyware vendors use ʺstealth routinesʺ and ʺpolymorphicʺ (meaning to changeʺ techniques to avoid detection and removal by popular anti‐spy software.

In some cases Spyware vendors have went as far as to counter‐attack anti‐spy packages by attempting to break their use. In addition they may use routines to re‐install the spyware application after it has been detected.


 * Malware**

Malware is slang for malicious software. Malware is software designed specifically to disrupt a computer system.

A trojan horse, worm or a virus could be classified as Malware.

Some advertising software can be malicious in that it can try to re‐install itself after you remove it.

For the purpose of simplicity Malware is software specifically engineered to damage your machine or interrupt the normal computing environment.

Examples of Malware include:


 * Page Hijackers**

Hijackers are applications that attempt to usurp control of the userʹs home page and reset it with one of the hijackers choosing.

They are a low security threat, but obnoxious.

Most Hijackers use stealth techniques or trick dialogue boxes to perform installation.