Adware
Adware is ad-serving system built in computer program. It is used by software developers of ad-supported software, and displays disturbing advertisements whenever the program is running. It does not necessarily harm your computer but its activity can be annoying.
Click
here
for a list of known Adware Parasites
Cookie
A cookie is a small file used for storing INTERNET related information (such as login information, or previous activity on a web site).
Dialer
These can be really nasty as they use your modem to dial premium rate phone numbers from a host without the users knowledge. It is important to note that if you connect to the internet via broadband only then you cannot be affected by these.
Click
here
for a list of known dialers
Forced Download
This is a method by which spyware can be downloaded to a computer. Often you will be prompted to click a link which then opens a gateway (often by tempting the user with the promise of some free software) for the installation of malicious code to your PC. Often even if you do not click on the link the gateway can become active.
Hijacker
These attempt to take control of a host computers resources, typical web browsers.
Click
here
for a list of known hijackers
Keylogger
These monitor keyboard activity on a host computer. They can be very sophisticated and capture all keyboard inputs made by a user, including passwords, e-mails, chat room conversations, web site history, and a users use of programs.
Some of these are legitimate commercial programs installed by employers to monitor the computer use of their workforce (nice).
Click
here
for a list of known keyloggers
Rootkit
These sit deep within a hosts operating system disabling security features such as firewalls and anti-virus programs. The clever bit is that the fact that these are disabled will not be obvious to most computer users.
They are often used to mask the presence of other viruses/spyware which can then operate with impunity. So in effect a rootkit is a cloaking device for malware.
Click here for more information on rootkits
Rouge Spyware
This is software that pretends to be anti-spyware but is in fact quite the opposite and often will install spyware on a users computer.
Follow this links for a comprehensive list of rouge spyware
Click
here
for a list of known Rouge Spyware
System Monitor
These monitor a host computers activity without the users knowledge. The program encrypts the collected data in a file that can then be examined at a later date or the file can be e-mailed automatically to a third party.
Trojan Horse
These are malicious programs that get onto a computer by appearing to be something harmless or very desirable. Once installed they will usually open non standard computer ports and download spyware/viruses from remote servers. This can cause a snowball effect as the downloaded programs will often download even more malware to the host. Eventually the computer grinds to a halt.
Click here for a list of known Trojan Horses