Spyware - the Biggest Threat on the Internet

Here´s a great introdution to Spyware by Joanna Gurnitsky - entitled Spyware 101: Understanding The Biggest Internet Threat of 2005 - on the About website. She reckons, rightly so, that Spyware is now the biggest threat facing Internet users, a threat more important than spam, viruses and hackers. She covers everything from what spyware/malware does to your computer to where it comes from and what personal information does it steal.

Here´s her list of the the most common malware functions :

1. Malware steals your personal information and address book (identity theft and keystroke-logging).
2. Malware floods your browser with pop-up advertising.
3. Malware spams your inbox with advertising email.
4. Malware slows down your connection.
5. Malware hijacks your browser and redirects you to an advertising or a phishing-con web page.
6. Malware uses your computer as a secret server to broadcast pornography files.
7. Malware slows down or crashes your computer.

Well worth reading!