Spyware is intentionally malicious software, or malware. It is designed to collect personal information about a specific user and make use of that information to exploit that user or his/her machine in some way, and often does harm to the device it is installed on as well. Spyware has become a leading security problem for Internet users and is now more widespread than spam or virus infections.

Spyware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like adware, keyloggers, and dialers can do some serious damage if left unchecked. Don’t let spyware bog down your network or compromise the safety of your employees and your confidential data. Spyware finds its way onto unsuspecting computers through various hidden methods. Once infected, your PC can get bogged down by hidden processes, unwanted pop ups, web browser hijackers and many other symptoms, and your personal information can be exposed.

Spyware is software that transmits personal information to a third party without the user’s knowledge or consent. Spyware and adware install themselves on a user’s machine, often as the trade-off for a piece of free software or a download of a “catchy” or “gimmicky” application.

Spyware is like a virus in that it is an unwanted program that runs on your computer. However, it does not try to replicate itself to other machines.