Spyware And Adware
Malware: Spyware And Adware
Malware is any program designed to do harm, though sometimes
what's considered harmful is a bit vague. Viruses, Trojans,
spyware, adware, pop-ups, even spam and more have all
qualified. Sometimes, though, one man's junk is another
man's treasure.
Adware
Adware actually has two flavors - software supported with
advertising, or a more malicious sort. The first could be a
useful utility released free of charge but using advertising
to generate revenue to support development - similar to TV
commercials. You're not required to watch, but if you do you
get ads along with content. Often this type of software is
also available in ad-free form for a modest price.
The other, more malicious, type monitors your browsing
habits and delivers targeted advertising. This type of
software may be considered a type of spyware, especially if
it's installed without your knowledge and consent. When does
adware becomes spyware? A gray area. Some software vendors
claim that disclosing the inclusion of this type of software
in the user agreement grants legal consent for its
installation. Most users, obviously, don't read the fine
print, which is full of legal jargon and unattractively
formatted.
Spyware
Spyware can have a more insidious meaning, however. This can
refer to software which does much more than simply monitor a
user's browsing habits. It can also redirect your browser to
advertising sites.
This type is almost always installed without the user's
consent or knowledge. It may be hidden in another program or
arrive as the payload of a worm or virus. It's also illegal
in many countries. In the U.S. the FTC (Federal Trade
Commission) has indicted, and in some cases convicted,
several purveyors.
Some software vendors require the user to install spyware as
part of a package. File sharing utilities like Kazaa or
BearShare are notorious for this practice. Its inclusion is
declared in the user agreement but users don't have the
option of not installing it - if they want the main program
they have to install the spyware as well. Annoying, but
legal.
The spyware installed with these, and many other, programs
gather information about web browsing habits so that
targeted advertising can be delivered to the user.
'Targeted' advertising is designed to be presented to
specific groups, selected by analyzing their buying or
browsing habits. Selections are made by discovering gender,
age, frequently visited sites or by other criteria.
Spyware vendors argue that it doesn't collect specific
personal information and there's an active controversy over
whether it constitutes legitimate market analysis or privacy
violation.
Most users find it annoying at best and intrusive in the
main. Advertisers claim it's the best way to deliver
products and services to potential new customers who may
actually end up wanting what's offered. Legally, they
assert, it's just another form of free speech. Users retort
that the advertisers' free speech doesn't reach to their
browser or e-mail Inbox.
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