What is Spyware?
The dictionary definition is as follows:
Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone’s computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. Spyware can get in a computer as a software virus or as the result of installing a new program.

Data collecting programs that are installed with the user’s knowledge are not, properly speaking, spyware, if the user fully understands what data is being collected and with whom it is being shared. However, spyware is often installed without the user’s consent, as a drive-by download, or as the result of clicking some option in a deceptive pop-up window. adware, software designed to serve advertising, can usually be thought of as spyware as well because it almost invariably includes components for tracking and reporting user information.

The cookie is a well-known mechanism for storing information about an Internet user on their own computer. However, the existence of cookies and their use is generally not concealed from users, who can also disallow access to cookie information. Nevertheless, to the extent that a Web site stores information about you in a cookie that you don’t know about, the cookie mechanism could be considered a form of spyware. Source – http://www.searchcrm.com

The more popular view by many IT Professionals is that spyware should be treated the same as a virus, i.e. A serious threat to the well being of your PC.

How Spyware affects us?

Privacy.  Spyware is primarly used to collect vast amounts of user data.  This data is then used for targeted marketing and advertising.  The data has also been known to have been used for other criminal acts such as gaining new identities & fraud.

Security.  Some spyware also includes various threats to the security of your PC.  These can be very dangerous if exploited.  Some examples are as follows:

• Keyloggers – Used to log ALL keystrokes on you PC, thus your usernames & passwords are compromised.
• BackDoors – Used to gain remote entry into your PC to either steal data or utilise your PC’s resources such as disk for storage of illegal software. 
• Virus – Malicious software designed to cause harm to your PC then spread to other users PC’s via internet or network connection thus causing wide scale downtime.

PC Performance.  Probably the most visible sign of spyware is the decrease of performance in your PC.  This is due to spyware taking up valuable system memory and processor power, reducing the resources that are available for your applications such as Word and Excel.

You may also experience strange behaviour when browsing the web, some examples of this are as follows:-

• Trying to browse websites results in redirection to another website.
• Opening your browser you find the homepage has been replaced with another website.
• Opening the browser you find a toolbar has been added showing adverts.

The Solution

There are some basic rules that we must follow to decrease risk of our PC’s being infected by Spyware, starting with the websites we visit.

• Visiting websites for pornographic material, illegal software downloads, illegal music downloads often result in Spyware infection.  Avoid these types of websites.
• When visiting a website you may be asked to agree to a download before you can proceed.  Always click NO to downloads that are forced upon you or for downloads that you do not know what they are.
• Do not enter any personal details on websites unless the website is of a trustworthy organisation.
• Make sure your Windows installation is up to date with the latest patches.

Spyware has also been known to have been installed via Email attachments, so the simple rule applies; Never open any Email attachments that you are not expecting.

If you do suspect your PC is infected with spyware, you must stop using it immediately.  Seek professional IT advice on the correct removal of spyware.  In most cases the spyware can removed quickly and effortlessly.  In some instances your PC may need a complete re-install of all software.

Recommended Spyware Removal Software

• Malwarebytes Anti Malware
• Spybot Search & Destroy
• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool