Spyware vs.
Adware
Over the last few years,
the internet has become known as the ultimate source of information, often
referred to as a virtual library. With
that followed a negative reputation that has struck fear in the hearts of
several new and potential web surfers.
Widespread coverage of negative activity online has many referring to
the internet as an unforsaken land where malicious crimes are a regular
occurrence. Although some of the hype is
an exaggeration inspired by the media, most of it is fact.
The massive threat of
scams and computer viruses have been a major contributor to the negative theory
regarding the internet. In fact, any
machine that makes a frequent online connection is susceptible to infection if
the proper security is not implemented.
One threat that is sure to make an attempt at intruding your system
everyday is a program by the name of spyware.
Though it may be contracted via email, spyware is mostly downloaded in
conjunction with a legitimate file or from a website compromised with
malware.
The Difference Between
Adware and Spyware
Often identified as its
own parent category, adware is essentially a form of spyware; both are members
of the malware family which also consists of worms, Trojans and viruses. In general, adware refers to any program that
frequently displays advertisements, with or without the user's consent. Applications such as the Eudora email client
often display advertisements to compensate for shareware fees. This application can be classified as adware
in the sense that it is an advertising-supported program, yet it is not
referred to as spyware. In this form,
adware does not function surreptitiously or mislead a user. Instead it provides the user with a
particular service.
The justification behind
adware is that it helps to recover cost for programming development and reduces
costs for the user as well, enabling a program to be distributed for free. However, in most cases, adware functions as a
malicious piece of spyware deployed with harmful intent. It has the ability to collect a user's
personal information and return it to the coder or third-party sources without
the victim's consent or knowledge. In
order for such an operation to be lawfully employed, a complete and legitimate
disclosure of consent must be proceeded by the silent background use of an
internet back channel. Any program
communicating from the internet not following this protocol is guilty of data
theft and is rightfully termed as spyware.
An adware program will
use spyware technology to display advertisements based on the patterns of your
activity; information it obtains from spying on you. A popular example of this type of infection
is Gator Software by Claria Corporation.
This program is often secretly installed as you surf the web, directing
revenue to the website hosting it as well as Claria Corporation.
Most types of spyware are
easily installed due to vulnerabilities in the Internet Explorer web
browser. Other Microsoft technologies
such as Active X will download adware and many other infections directly from
the browser to your computer. For this
reason, Mozilla Firefox, a Google product, is recommended by security
experts.
Typically, ridding your
system of adware is as easy as deleting it from the "Add/Remove Programs"
utility on your computer. However, a
malicious type of adware may be more difficult to delete. In this case, a security application that
specializes in detecting and removing spyware is the best option.
