Cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to any crime that is committed through the use of a computer. The crime may be intended at the user or may be committed by the user. Cybercrime is a blanket term used to describe many crimes that occur as a result of Internet use. A user may unknowingly download a Trojan while downloading a new song from a file sharing program. The Trojan may log your keystrokes and send the sensitive information off to be exploited. Cybercrime can be the result of a virus infiltration or spyware infection.

Spyware History

How did spyware come about? The first documented occurrence of spyware was in 1995. The term itself was coined in 2000. An AOL study conducted in 2005 found that 61% of surveyed computers housed spyware. Most of those users did not realize their infection, however.

Beware of Browser Add-Ons

Browser add-ons are software that enhance your browser. They can be toolbars, animated companions or a handy extra search box. Some add-ons are no problem. In fact. some add-ons are convenient extras for your Internet browser. However, beware of add-ons because often they are spyware in disguise. If you say yes to an add-on that turns out to be spyware, you could be subjecting your system to slower operation. You could begin seeing more targeted advertising because the spyware that's in your system is watching your every move, recording which products you're interested in.

Spyware: Helpful Definitions

Spyware is a menace and a threat to your PC, so it's important to choose a product to protect your computer. It's also important to become knowledgeable about the basic terms and definitions regarding spyware, so while you're shopping for the right product, you'll understand the product descriptions. Here is a mini-glossary, with some helpful definitions.

Adware-- Adware is advertising. True adware adheres to the guidelines of advertising and provides sufficient information regarding the product in the user agreement. True adware does not add any other applications to your PC besides the intended product. There should be no hidden applications within adware that will redirect your homepage or transmit your information to third party predators. Adware should also be easily uninstalled from your system, with an uninstall icon in the Add or Remove Program section of your Control Panel.

BHO-- This acronym stands for Browser Helper Objects. BHOs are the customizations that can be added to your Internet Browser. You may be familiar with the Google search bar as a BHO. While BHOs are seemingly convenient some of these applications are used to infiltrate your computer and dislodge secure information.

Hijacker-- You may have experienced a hijacker within your computer. Say you have your homepage set to Yahoo.com One day you log on and suddenly your homepage changes from Yahoo to some unknown site that you've never seen and certainly not chosen as your homepage. That is a browser hijack. In the worst case scenarios your browser can be redirected to a pornographic site.

Cookies-- Cookies are small markers or flags placed on your computer each time you visit a specific site. The purpose of a cookie is to keep tabs on an individual's login information and site preferences. Cookies add convenience and expedience to site registration and login. However, sometimes cookies can be used for more devious intentions, such as annoying and targeted marketing, pop-up ad placement and personal information transmission to other sources for solicitation.

These are a few, but not all of the terms that pop up when spyware is discussed. For more definitions see the "Learn More" section of our review site devoted to AntiSpyware products.