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There is no fixed definition of '''spyware''', but one example is [[software]] that collects information about the use of the [[computer]] on which the [[software]] is installed, and the [[user]]. When the [[computer]] is [[connected]] to the [[Internet]], the [[software]] periodically relays the information back to the software manufacturer or a marketing company. Some spyware traces a [[user]]’s [[Web]] activity and causes [[advertisements]] to suddenly appear on the user’s monitor — called “[[pop-up ads]]” — in response. Typically, [[user]]s have no knowledge that the [[software]] they obtained included spyware and that it is now resident on their [[computer]]s. |
There is no fixed definition of '''spyware''', but one example is [[software]] that collects information about the use of the [[computer]] on which the [[software]] is installed, and the [[user]]. When the [[computer]] is [[connected]] to the [[Internet]], the [[software]] periodically relays the information back to the software manufacturer or a marketing company. Some spyware traces a [[user]]’s [[Web]] activity and causes [[advertisements]] to suddenly appear on the user’s monitor — called “[[pop-up ads]]” — in response. Typically, [[user]]s have no knowledge that the [[software]] they obtained included spyware and that it is now resident on their [[computer]]s. |
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| + | In June 2006, the [http://www.antispywarecoalition.org/about/index.htm Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC)] issued a paper that defined spyware as “technologies deployed without appropriate user consent and/or implemented in ways that impair user control over: |
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| + | :* Material changes that affect their user experience, privacy, or system security; |
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| + | :* Use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; and/or |
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| + | :* Collection, use, and distribution of their personal or other sensitive information.”<ref>See Anti-Spyware Coalition Definitions Document (June 2006).[http://www.antispywarecoalition.org/documents/DefinitionsJune292006.htm].</ref> |
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| + | ==References== |
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| + | <references /> |
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[[Category:Technology]] |
[[Category:Technology]] |
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Revision as of 06:29, 11 November 2007
There is no fixed definition of spyware, but one example is software that collects information about the use of the computer on which the software is installed, and the user. When the computer is connected to the Internet, the software periodically relays the information back to the software manufacturer or a marketing company. Some spyware traces a user’s Web activity and causes advertisements to suddenly appear on the user’s monitor — called “pop-up ads” — in response. Typically, users have no knowledge that the software they obtained included spyware and that it is now resident on their computers.
In June 2006, the Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC) issued a paper that defined spyware as “technologies deployed without appropriate user consent and/or implemented in ways that impair user control over:
- Material changes that affect their user experience, privacy, or system security;
- Use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; and/or
- Collection, use, and distribution of their personal or other sensitive information.”[1]