Spyware Glossary

Spyware is a broad category of software. This section will give you some definitions of what they are and what some of the related spyware terms mentioned in this guide mean/are.

• Adware

Short for advertsing-supported software are programs that displays or downloads advertising materials. They often take the form of spyware and have malicious intentions.

• BHO (Browser Helper Object)

These are system files (DLL variety) that allows developers to customise and control Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, spyware often use BHO files to take over your browser. These are usually related to Toolbars, Anti-Virus software , etc.

• Cookie

Cookies are files used by websites to remember a particular state. They are used to remember things like login details, shopping cart information for when doing online shopping, etc. The use of cookies is a feature built into web browsers and are required for some sites to function (online shops). They are not malicious but some third-party cookies may be an invasion of privacy and be able to identify you. Cookies are normal so there is no need for concern. You can delete your cookies every so often. Just pay attention to what sites you visit.

• Dialler

These are programs that ring premium rate phone numbers giving you a nasty surprise when your phone bill arrives with expensive charges. This only affects people using a dial up connection. Some diallers can dial out silently.

• Hijacker (AKA Browser Hijacker)

These take control of your web browser. Typically, by changin your home page and taking over your Internet settings. Many are able to restore themselves after you have deleted them.

• Malware

This is short for 'Malicious Software' and it refers to any software that is created with the intention of causing damage or disrupting a system.

• Spyware

A term for the broad category of malicious software designed to take partial control of a system for financial gain. Typical tactics include popup advertisements, redirecting you to advertising sites, monitoring your web surfing activities, theft of personal and financial data.

• Trojan Horse (AKA Trojan, Backdoor)

Trojan Horses pretend to be a program for doing something useful but they are made by hackers to open your PC to attacks. The name comes from the story of the Trojan War. The Greeks give a big wooden horse to the Trojans as a peace offering. However, it was a cunning plan by the Greeks. Greek soldiers hid inside the hollow belly of the wooden horse and waited for the Trojans to take the wooden horse into the castle. At night, they snuck out and opened the gates of the Trojan's castle allowing the Greek army to invade and destroy the Trojans.

• Virii

Plural for 'virus'. These are programs that do something annoying or cause damage to systems. They are activated by a trigger/event. i.e. certain date or when you open the program. Virii often replicate themselves.

• Worms

A worm is like a virus. The only difference is that it does not require a trigger to activate.

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