Spyware makes its way into the computer without the user's knowledge, and steals the information as if it were a spy. You can unwittingly install it even if you observe normal computer usage, and some types of spyware are benign. But some are maliciously designed to steal specific information.
There are also cases where a fraudulent CD-ROM is sent disguised as a bank document. We urge you never to install such a CD-ROM.
Since spyware is not defined as a virus, it may not be detected even if you have an anti-virus software installed. It is therefore difficult to eradicate spyware frauds completely, but it is necessary to be aware that there is malicious spyware. You can download some software free of charge, but sometimes it contains embedded spyware which collects personal information for the providing company in return for the free use of the software. In some cases, the terms of use disclose the purpose of the spyware, so we recommend you to read them carefully.
There are also cases where a fraudulent CD-ROM which is made to look like a genuine bank document is sent to the user. A financial institution never sends a CD-ROM. If you receive one, you should first check with the supposed sender.- Spyware steals information like:
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- Information input through the Internet (credit card number, account number, PIN, email address, name, mailing address, telephone number, etc.)
- Computer log (sites visited, files opened, etc.)
- "I installed software and..."
Ms. A found a website which offers various types of free software, and downloaded some to install. A few days later when she turned on her computer, she found that dozens of unwanted advertisements were flooding her inbox and new ones kept coming in. There was nothing she could do. Worse still, when she logged on her Internet bank site to make a remittance, she found that all the balance had been withdrawn. All of this was caused by spyware embedded in the free software.
- The user did not check the validity of the website nor read the terms of use.
