Spyware and Adware: Spyware is a kind of program that collects information about how you use your computer, and sends it to a hacker. Spyware is usually installed on your computer without you knowing, often as part of the installation of another program that you have chosen to use (It’s much more commonly connected with programs that you get for free).
Most spyware is used to collect commercial information, such as your browsing habits, to enable targeted advertising, but it can be far more malicious. At best, it slows down your computer and internet connection.
Like spyware, adware collects information about your browsing habits so that the adverts that appear in your web browser can be targeted to your interests. The difference between adware and spyware is that the perpetrators are usually up front about it. Many programs that you can download from the internet come with the option to try it out for free and the price you pay is to allow advertising. When you pay for the program you are given a key (ie a code number) to enter into the program and the adware component (and the advertising) is removed. Removing the adware without paying for a key will often stop the program from working at all.
Occasionally the licence agreement for a program will tell you that it includes spyware – however, most people do not read licences and, anyway, they are often written in gobbledegook!
Diallers: These are malicious little programs that hijack your internet connection and redial it (silently) to a premium rate number. They tend to be linked to pornography sites, which may often pop up unasked. If you have a broadband connection you are unlikely to have problems with diallers, since broadband connections do not use telephone dialling.
All of these various sorts of software, which install themselves on your computer when you would rather they didn’t, often without telling you, are collectively known as malware.
Phishing: Phishing is a way of gathering sensitive data, particularly personal bank account details, which can then be accessed for criminal purposes. It works like this. An email arrives, which appears to come from your bank. Often these emails tell you that there is a problem with your account. It asks you to click on a link to the bank’s website so that you can confirm your account details and passwords. Clicking on the link takes you to a website that looks just like your bank's site – but it isn’t! You can guess the rest. If your bank really wanted you to confirm account details they would write you a letter (on real paper). They never do it by email.
Other common phishing techniques include emails telling you that you have won a large sum in a lottery that you didn’t know you had entered (you haven’t!), or a message from the tax man telling you that you are owed a tax refund (you are not!) and asking for personal details to allow them to pay you (they won’t!).
KEEPING YOUR PC HEALTHY & CLEAN
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