Why Spyware is Dangerous

Spyware is not a computer virus, although the effects can sometimes be similar.

A spyware program can be installed without your consent or knowledge, or with your permission as a “tag-along” with new software. Once installed on your PC, spyware runs in the background, hidden from view, and can monitor your computer and Internet usage. That information can then be sent to an interested third-party. Some spyware programs -- dubbed adware -- are used by advertisers and marketers to use the collected data to send you personally targeted advertising.

For example, a spyware program might monitor your web surfing habits and report which sites you visit to an advertising firm. Or the spyware might create a pop up window and ask for your demographic data, which it also reports back to the host. Some spyware will even use your personal data to generate its own targeted banner ads, and display those ads on top of the normal banner ads when you visit other websites.

Spyware typically gets installed in the background when you're installing another program. The biggest sources of spyware today are "free software" downloads and "drive-by" installations. Spyware is often installed along with legitimate peer-to-peer or file-sharing software. The spyware programs piggyback on the file-sharing software, so that when you install the file-sharing software, the spyware is also installed.

Active Security Monitor detects a broad set of spyware programs (click here to see a complete list). Please note that it may take 30-60 minutes on certain occasions for Active Security Monitor to properly report the state of spyware protection on your PC.