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By the Numbers
100 - 150 million
Estimated number of PCs on the Internet that are under the control of hackers.
63%
Percentage of people that accept End User License Agreements without reading the text, according to a Lavasoft poll.
2,286
Number of people who responded to a Lavasoft poll that they have been a victim of a phishing attack. With a total of 4,966 people answering the Lavasoft survey, nearly half of those surveyed have been scammed by a phisher.
15-60 minutes
Estimated timeframe for how often Zlob Trojans update and change in order to avoid detection, according to Lavasoft researchers.
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Spyware Education Center
Spyware is perhaps the most menacing technological application of the cyber era. It can also go by the name adware, malware, trackware and even thiefware. In Lavasoft's Spyware Education Center, learn more about the software that infects 9 out of 10 computers.
What is Spyware?
Most computer users today are familiar with the term spyware because they or someone they know has experienced the aggravation of this software firsthand. Sluggish computer performance, altered home pages, and endless pop-up ads are all signs your PC could be infected. Everyone who uses a computer is susceptible.
Spyware is a program installed on your computer, with or without your permission that can change system configurations, monitor your Internet activity and broadcast the information back to an outside party, often advertisers. The milder forms of spyware are simply annoying, with increased spam and unwanted pop-ups; these are known as adware. Malware refers to more malicious programs that can rob your PC of its ability to run efficiently. The newer, more advanced forms can actually steal personal information like bank passwords or credit card numbers.
Spyware has often been referred to as a virus, but this is not accurate. The software does not duplicate itself like a virus, which is why it is never detected when an anti-virus program is run. The best protection for your computer is a 3-tiered approach: anti-spyware software, anti-virus software, and a firewall.
How it Works
Spyware can worm its way into your computer even if you are careful while surfing the Internet. Nowadays, it may even invade your system if you simply visit certain web sites. Applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from media-supported sites. These sites are infamous for carrying spyware infections. It is usually disclosed, but buried, at the end of a License Agreement or Privacy Statement. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Occasionally, spyware authors will pay shareware creators to wrap-in spyware with their software.
Spyware is becoming more sophisticated and many applications are designed to spread themselves out on your PC, making it more difficult to wipe them out completely.
Lavasoft will provide you with our world-famous Ad-Aware SE anti-spyware software, but we are also interested in giving you preventative tips that will help you avoid being infected with spyware in the first place.