The list of adware and spyware definitions is very long. But the definitions listed below are the most common. This is a glossary of spyware facts and terms so you know what these malicious programs are and what they can do to your computer.
adware
Adware components are usually installed together with shareware or freeware programs that you download. The adware developer creates pop-ups that generate ad revenue for them. Most of the adware components are installed with the user’s consent. This happens because most people never read the end user license agreement that comes with the software.
spyware
Spyware is often installed along with freeware or shareware, just like adware. Spyware programs collect and transmit sensitive and personal information about your online behavior to an unknown third party. The data is collected without you even knowing it happened. By the time he finds out, the damage is done and the hacker is gone.
browser hijackers
Browser hijackers innocently install themselves as useful browser toolbars. They may modify your browser settings and may change your default home page to point to a site that generates revenue for the hijacker.
Trojan horse programs
Trojan horse programs sneak onto your system and run without your knowledge, similar to spyware. Programmers use these programs for a lot of malicious uses and none of them would approve of it. The good news is that Trojan horse programs do not duplicate themselves.
Tracking cookies
Tracking cookies are files with small amounts of data, such as passwords and settings. Tracking cookies can provide you with a benefit, especially if you revisit the same websites. But in the wrong hands, cookies are used to track your behavior on the Internet without your knowledge or consent and provide marketers with private information about you.
keyloggers
Keyloggers are programs that run in the background silently recording all keystrokes. Once the keystrokes are logged, the hacker uses a remote keylogging program to retrieve the data later. The hacker can get your passwords, credit card numbers and any personal information on your computer.
malware
The definition of malware is any malicious software or program that will harm your computer. Computer viruses, worms, and Trojans are considered malware, but other types of programs can also be included under the term.
password cracker
A password cracker is simply a program used to crack a password or password file. Security administrators use password crackers for legitimate use by using them to enhance system security. But the dangers when a hacker obtains a program like this are unimaginable.
There are many other definitions of spyware, including scumware, bugs, parasites, and the list keeps growing daily.
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