Spyware Information
Spyware is software installed on a computer without the user's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by whoever controls the spyware. The information that is gathered is usually information on the user’s computer and the user’s habits of use. This information could contain credit card numbers, pin codes, bank account information and more. This can lead to stolen identities and fraudulent use of information. The information that is gathered is sent to another person or business. Typically, there are two types of known spyware, surveillance and advertising. Both types are detrimental to both the privacy and the performance of the user’s computer.
Spyware can be removed using anti-spyware utilities. There are several anti-spyware utilities that are freely available.