S is for Spyware
Spyware, as the name suggests, is software which ‘spies’ on your PC. It is installed secretly, without your knowledge or permission, and may track and monitor the actions of anyone using the PC. The gathered information may then be sent across the Internet, again secretly, to a third party usually for criminal purposes. At its worst, Spyware will gather personal information such as passwords or bank details that may then be used for fraudulent purposes or identity theft. Some Spyware intelligently monitors which websites are visited and when a transactional website, such as an Internet bank or an online shopping website is visited it will begin to relay keystrokes or even screenshots back to its criminal source.
Spyware is often confused with Adware. Adware is a cousin of Spyware in the sense that both are hidden from the user. Adware, however, is only used for advertising purposes and does not collect personal details and is more of an annoyance than a threat and may slow down your PC and have a detrimental affect on your Internet use.
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