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 on someone's computer, while they are online, to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.
Once installed, spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers, which can be used to commit identity theft. To prevent spyware, install a spyware prevention program on your home and office computers and keep it updated.
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