Spyware is any software that sends personal information (e.g., Web sites you visit, email addresses, passwords) from your computer to a third party without telling you and without your consent. Spyware differs from malware in that it takes information from your computer, while malware damages your computer.
Many people include adware (software that displays advertising banners in your browser) under the heading of "spyware" because adware often has spyware included in it. This adware can sometimes slow down your machine, make pop-up ads appear on your desktop, or change the settings on your computer. Many of these programs do not clearly state what the application will do or whether spyware is included, and they can be very difficult to uninstall.
A collection of anti-spyware software companies, academics, and consumer groups have formed the Anti-Spyware Coalition 
to clarify what exactly can be considered spyware. Their current definition includes any software that makes it difficult for you to control:
- How you use your computer, including your privacy and security settings
- What your computer is used for and what is installed on it
- How your personal information is collected and used
There are a few different ways you can get spyware on your computer. Spyware is sometimes installed on your machine when you download free software, such as file-sharing applications and games. However, you don't even need to download anything to get spyware: some spyware is installed on your machine just by visiting certain Web sites. This is called a "drive-by" installation. Spyware can also be loaded onto your computer without your knowledge when you open certain email attachments.
Protective Measures
Practices
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Delete suspicious emails with attachments: Attachments are the main way malware gets onto your computer. Attachments include office document files (e.g., with .doc or .xls suffixes), program files (e.g., with .exe or .bat suffixes), and compressed files (e.g., with .zip suffixes), all of which can contain malware. The CERT Coordination Center advises users to apply the so-called "KRESV" test to detect suspicious emails. KRESV stands for:
- Know: Do you know the sender?
- Received: Have you received email from the sender before?
- Expect: Are you expecting the e-mail?
- Sense: Do the subject header and attachment name make sense?
- Virus: Does it contain a virus? You will need antivirus software to check this.
If an email with attachments fails any of these tests, delete it. If you know the sender, contact him or her to make sure that the message is legitimate.
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Conduct regular anti-virus scans: Be sure to scan all files that you have received from other people. All major anti-virus software can be set to automatically scan files when they are transferred, but it's a good idea to also scan your computer manually on a regular basis. You should do this at least once every two weeks, or when you suspect a problem.
Settings
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Disable or manage cookies: Cookies are little files saved on your computer when you visit a Web site that contain information about your personal preferences for the site. Companies or malicious coders can extract the information in these files and use it for marketing or other purposes. Disabling or limiting cookies does not get rid of spyware, but it does leave less personal information on your hard drive for spyware to exploit. However, you will lose the advantages that cookies provide, namely making some Web sites easier to use.
Tools
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Spyware removal applications: Anti-virus applications generally do not rid your machine of spyware, but there are many commercial and free spyware removal tools available. Some examples are Spybot - Search & Destroy
, Ad-Aware , Pest Patrol , and Microsoft Windows Defender . Make sure that you find a legitimate spyware-removal application, since some products touted as anti-spyware applications are ineffective or actually install spyware and adware on your machine. Spyware Warrior can point you to some good applications and tell you which applications to avoid.
Connect Safely from Different Places
Office
Spyware can be particularly damaging in a business environment, where competitors could use it to steal business secrets or other corporate information.
It would be unethical to use spyware at work to eavesdrop on coworkers or superiors. Some workers have acted as "trusted insiders," only to turn out to be electronic thieves, using spyware to steal identities, money or company records that have proprietary information that competitors are willing to buy.
Mobile
Even though there are currently no spyware applications for handheld devices, you can infect your desktop or laptop PC whenever you synchronize your mobile device and there is a spyware application among the files you are synchronizing.
Ethical Issues
It is both unethical and illegal to include spyware in software without stating clearly in the license agreement that it is included. Therefore, you should read and understand all policies and end-user license agreements (EULAs) before doing any business at a Web site. Many policies and EULAs are purposefully ambiguous or misleading, and they can be difficult to interpret, so make sure that you read them carefully.
Some parents use spyware to eavesdrop on their children's online activities because they believe that this is a good way to protect their children from online predators and inappropriate content. Some people also use spyware to keep tabs on their spouses and other family members, but there are many who feel that using spyware on family members is not at all appropriate. They argue that such use is an invasion of people's privacy and therefore unethical.
Legal Issues
Some states, such as Utah , Washington , and California , are beginning to pass laws against spyware. Other states are expected to follow.
Privacy Issues
Spyware is a threat to your privacy because it attempts to capture your personal information. This can result in identity theft, especially if somebody gets a hold of your credit card number, social security number, or other personally identifiable information. As soon as you detect a spyware application on your machine, disconnect from the Internet and seek help in removing it.
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