Spyware
Recently spyware has become a common problem for Windows PC users. In contrast to viruses and worms, spyware cannot self-replicate and infect systems automatically. Generally, spyware is bundled as part of other free software, such as peer-to-peer file sharing programs. The user usually doesn't know that a spyware program is included with their software and is unaware of it running or what it is doing. Very often the installaton routine of the main piece of software will not make it known that a spyware program is being installed alongside it.
Generally speaking , spyware is designed to exploit the infected PC for commercial gain by supplying information to online marketing agencies, with the least damaging spyware supplying statistics on web usage. and the most damaging supplying sensitive financial data, such as online banking passwords.
A good tip for when you are entering passwords, is when entering a password in a box, after every other letter of number click the mouse pointer out of the box and tap random keys on the keyboard, then click your mouse pointer back on the box and type two more letters or numbers of your password. Repeat this process for as long as nessasery, as a lot of spyware will sent data strings of the keystrokes your keyboard has done.
For Example:
Your password is: merrychristmas2009 This is what the spyware would send.
Sending the password using the tip: mefjfiofjqofjrrfiojoychyhkhhkrisfkgktmajvaes2j00erfj9 This is what the spyware would send, as you see it's almost impossible for the sender of the spyware to work out your password. (I've hightlighted the password so you can see it)
Spyware Removal Software.