Types of Spyware

There are many faces of spyware.

If there's one thing you should know about spyware, it's that no two spyware programs are exactly alike. However, many of them do share the same characteristics, making it possible to categorize the various spyware applications. To help you understand the differences between the various types of spyware, we are providing descriptions of the different spyware categories.

Adware

Adware is software that bombards consumers with unwanted and annoying advertisements, including popup ads.

Browser Helper Object (BHO)

Not all BHOs are malicious, but that doesn't mean that all of them are safe. A BHO is a DLL file that is executed by Microsoft Internet Explorer. The toolbars that you use with your Internet Explorer are considered BHOs. Many of them are completely innocent, but others are not. Some BHOs can track your Internet activity, monitor your web usage and can even record your personal information.

Commercial RAT

Commercial RAT (or Remote Administration Tool) is not always a bad thing, but when a commercial RAT product is used to remotely administer a user's computer without that user's consent or knowledge, it can turn into an ugly situation. If a commercial RAT program is installed on your system and controlled by an unscrupulous hacker, he or she can shut down programs, delete files and steal all of the information on your hard drive. Commercial RAT attacks may very well be one of the most dangerous spyware risks lurking on the Web.

Data Miner

Data miners are programs that collect data from your computer (such as email addresses, web searches, etc.) and then transmits the data to a third party. Some cookies are data miners, but many cookies are harmless. The cookies that act as data miners can be considered Spyware applications.

Downloader

A downloader is a program that can install a file or a program with notifying you. While a downloader itself can't do much damage to your computer, it can download viruses, worms and other malware that can pose a serious threat to your computer and the information contained on it.

Dialer

Dialers are a form of spyware that can cost you hundreds of dollars. If your computer is hooked up to a phone line, a dialer can cause your computer to call a pay-per-minute and log on for hours, raking up hundreds of dollars in phone charges.

Flooder

A flooder can be an Internet nightmare. These programs transmit damaging amounts of data to networks in hopes of overloading and crashing the Internet connection.

Hijacker

Browser hijackers are another type of spyware that you need to concern yourself with. These programs can hijack and change your Internet settings such as your homepage and your search page. If your homepage has ever changed without you initiating it, you have been the victim of a browser hijacking.

Key Loggers

A keystroke logger is a program that records each keystroke you type on your computer, puts the information into a log file and then transmits the file to a third party. Everything you type on your computer, including account numbers and passwords, are at risk when a keystroke logger is infecting your system.

Malware

Malware is a term given to programs that are created for the sole purpose of damaging a user's computer. Unlike viruses, malware does not self-replicate, but the damage can be as bad (or even worse) than that caused by your average computer virus.

Worms

A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program. It uses a network to send copies of itself to other nodes (computer terminals on the network) and it may do so without any user intervention. Unlike a virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program. Worms almost always cause harm to the network, if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer.

Rogue AntiSpyware

Rogue anti-spyware is exactly what it sounds like "Anti-Spyware" programs gone bad. Some rogue anti-spyware programs are simply anti-spyware products that just don't work like they should while other rogue anti-spyware programs are more ominous in nature and actually act as spyware on the systems they are supposed to be protecting. Because it's hard to tell rogue anti-spyware from the real thing, it's critical that you only download and use trusted anti-spyware products

Tracking Cookie

Cookie is a small text file which stores your computer informations.

Trojan

A Trojan is a potentially-dangerous program that disguises itself as a harmless application. While Trojans do not replicate themselves over and over again like viruses do, they can be just as harmful to your computer. There are seven distinct classifications of Trojan that you need to worry about including DoS Trojans, data-sending Trojans, remote access Trojans, destructive Trojans, FTP Trojans, security software disabler Trojans and proxy Trojans.

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, popular makers of adware applications. These companies 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.