Spyware is a program that collects information about your computer usage without your consent. Spyware typically infects your computer by utilizing a bundle method with what appears to be a useful piece of software. For example many users that use some file sharing websites like Kazaa may find their computers infected with spyware that piggybacked an application or program they downloaded.

Spyware for the most part collects personal information about a user and transmits it back to the originator, giving them access to information about you and your browsing habits. However some spyware can slow down a computer considerably and cause pop ups unrelated to the site you are viewing to appear. Recently Spyware has been an increasingly cited source for identity theft as individuals are able to gather information you input to your computer. Spyware has a number of ways of advertising itself, from being a web guide to actually being a spyware prevention application.

As Spyware gets ever more advanced it is troubling for PC users and may undermine people’s confidence in online transactions in the future.