ActiveX technology is a group of functions developed by Microsoft that let programs share information. Many legitimate programs use ActiveX, but some spyware also uses ActiveX to install itself.
adware
Adware is a type of software that may display advertisements on your system. Some adware may also hijack Web searches, meaning it may reroute your Web searches through its own Web page. It may change your default home page to a specific Web site. Adware generally propagates itself using dialog boxes, various social engineering methods, or through scripting errors. Adware and BHOs are often bundled with various free software programs, such as clocks, messengers, alerts, and software such as screensavers, cartoon cursors, backgrounds, sounds, etc. Removing adware bundled with free software programs may cause the software to stop operating. These adware programs may also cause slowing of your Web browser and system performance issues.
Alternate Data Stream (ADS)
An Alternate Data Stream is a highly technical way to hide images, data, or code in a file and can be used to hide malicious code. The hidden content is impossible to detect using regularly-available tools, such as Windows Explorer.
Browser Helper Object (BHO)
Browser Helper Objects are add-on programs that work with your browser. Some spyware adds BHOs without your knowledge.
dialer
Dialers may disconnect your computer from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and reconnect you to the Internet using an expensive toll or international phone number. Dialers can accrue significant phone charges and can run in the background, hiding their presence. They generally propagates itself using dialog boxes, various social engineering methods, through scripting errors, or may be delivered with a Trojan horse. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you dispute the charges with your telephone company and report the incident.
definitions
A definition is the set of fingerprints that characterize a potentially unwanted program, such as spyware or adware. Webroot regularly updates these definitions to provide better protection against the latest versions of potentially unwanted programs discovered by Spy Sweeper.
keylogger
A keylogger is a type of system monitor that has the ability to record all keystrokes on your computer. Therefore, a keylogger may monitor keystrokes, e-mails, chat room dialogue, instant message dialogue, Web sites visited, usernames, passwords, and programs run, and any other typed material. They may have the ability to run in the background, hiding their presence. Keyloggers and system monitors may be used for legitimate purposes but can also be installed by a user to record sensitive information for malicious purposes.
Someone with administrative access to your computer, such as a system administrator or someone who shares your computer, typically installs commercial system monitors. This program may be installed on the machine without your knowledge or consent, and may allow an unauthorized, third party to view potentially sensitive information.
Worst case scenario: A third party may be able to view your personal conversations and may gain access to private information such as your usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or your Social Security number.
potentially unwanted program
A potentially unwanted program is a program that may change the security or privacy state of your computer and online activities. These programs can (but do not necessarily) collect information about your online activities and send it to a third party without your knowledge or consent. A potentially unwanted program may arrive bundled with freeware or shareware, various social engineering methods, or by someone with access to your computer. Users may decide to remove these programs by using desktop security product.
rootkit or potentially rootkit masked files
Rootkits use file obfuscation techniques to allow spyware and other malicious software to avoid detection and removal. Rootkits typically hide logins, processes, files and logs, and may include software to capture information from desktops or a network. A rootkit's abilities to hide the presence of an intruder and the intruder's actions explain the increase in use of this method.
spyware
Spyware is a program that may either monitor a user's online activities or possibly install programs without a user's consent. Information about online activities may be subsequently sent to a third party for malicious purposes without your knowledge or consent. Spyware may arrive bundled with freeware or shareware, through e-mail or instant messenger, may propagate itself using dialog boxes, various social engineering methods, scripting errors, or by someone with access to your computer. Spyware is difficult to detect, and difficult (if not impossible) for the average user to remove without the use of a top-quality anti-spyware program.
system monitors
System monitors, typically non-commercial, may monitor and capture your computer activity, including recording all keystrokes, e-mails, chat room dialogue, instant message dialogue, Web sites visited, usernames, passwords, and programs run. This program may be capable of taking screen shots of your desktop at scheduled intervals, storing the information on your computer in an encrypted log file for later retrieval. These log files may be e-mailed to a pre-defined e-mail address. This program can run in the background, hiding its presence. These programs typically install via other threats, such as music downloads, and Trojan downloaders. These system monitors may allow an unauthorized, third party to view potentially sensitive information, such as passwords, e-mail, and chat room conversation.
traces
Traces are the individual elements that make up the definition database. The more traces found and put into the definitions the more complete the removal of the potential threats.
tracking cookie
Cookies are pieces of information that are generated by a Web server and stored on your computer for future access. When visiting some Web sites, a cookie may be placed on your system to track your personal preferences and Web surfing habits through uniquely identifiable information (browsing habits, usernames and passwords, areas of interest, etc.), and simultaneously share the information with other Web sites.
Trojan horse
A Trojan horse may manage files on your computer, including creating, deleting, renaming, viewing, or transferring files to or from your computer. It can utilize a program manager that allows a hacker to install, execute, open, or close programs. The hacker can gain remote control of your cursor and keyboard and can even send mass e-mails from your infected computer. It can run in the background, hiding its presence. A Trojan is usually disguised as a harmless software program and may also be distributed as an e-mail attachment. Opening the program or attachment may cause an auto-installation process that loads the downloader onto your computer and download third party programs on your computer, resulting in the installation of unwanted programs without your knowledge or consent, jeopardizing your privacy if it downloads another Trojan or a system monitor. Trojans may open a port on your computer that may enable a hacker to gain remote control of your computer.
virus
A virus is a self-replicating program that can infest computer code, documents, or applications. While some viruses are purposefully malignant, others are more of a nuisance, replicating uncontrollably and inhibiting system performance.
