Spyware

Spyware software is a program, usually downloaded for free from the Internet, that sends information from the user's computer without their knowledge whenever the computer connects to the Internet. Usually the information sent is benign in nature, mostly concerned with general marketing information (i.e., spending habits) rather than specific information like credit card numbers, although some programs are capable of retrieving specific information as well. Learn more about Spyware by visiting the sites below.

Data Privacy and Spyware This Web site contains information on spyware provided by the Center for Democracy and Technology. Learn More>>

Monitoring Software on Your PC: Spyware, Adware, and Other Software On April 19, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission hosted a one-day public workshop to explore the issues associated with the distribution and effects of software that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge and which may send such information to another entity without the consumer's consent, or asserts control over a computer without the consumer's knowledge. This Web site provides useful information from that workshop. Learn More>>   Spyware--U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) Document This document provided by the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) gives an overview of spyware, provides examples of some common threats, and outlines policies and practices to defend against spyware and architect the value out of the spyware market. Learn More>>