What is Thief-Ware?

Thief-Ware is software being used in an unethical or disagreeable manner. The term does not necessarily mean that the software is involved in outright thievery or other serious criminal activity as determined by law.

The word is being used to denote unethical, unacceptable, or otherwise negative use of software and Internet technology.

Some of the software mentioned places links on victimized sites for visitors to click on, leading them away to other competitor sites. Many site owners would say the software is stealing visitors which makes Thief-Ware an appropriate name for such services and software.