eHelpHere are a few frequently asked questions about Spyware.
No. An antivirus program is looking for patterns of viruses. Generally Spyware is not considered a virus and is seen as an acceptable program. In most cases the user has selected to install the software so it is not a virus. As spyware becomes more of a problem, antivirus programs may be designed to recognize some of the programs or attachments and be able to block them.
Yes and no. Some firewalls will block everything but web traffic (port 80). Most spyware is downloaded via the web so the firewall would allow it in, thinking that it is like any other web traffic. Some software firewalls will block traffic but will also tell you when a program is trying to load software. The program will tell you when a site is trying to install software on your PC. It is then your choice whether you install the program or not.
Yes. In most cases you have selected to install a program or get more information. By agreeing, you have chosen to install the entire program, not just part.
While this may be a great concept, the downside is that the advertising companies also install additional tracking software on your system, which is continuously "calling home", using your Internet connection and reports statistical data to the "mothership". While according to the privacy policies of the companies, there will be no sensitive or identifying data collected from your system and you shall remain anonymous, it still remains the fact, that you have a "live" server sitting on your PC that is sending information about you and your surfing habits to a remote location.
While legitimate adware companies will disclose the nature of data that is collected and transmitted in their privacy statement (linked from our database), there is almost no way for the user to actually control what data is being sent. The fact is that the technology is in theory capable of sending much more than just banner statistics – this is why many people feel uncomfortable with the idea.
