CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS SPYWARE?

Spyware is software that installs itself into a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent. While in there, it uses the computer to make money (but not for you!) or acquire your personal information for fraudulent purposes. 

It’s hard for some of us to believe, but these adware or spyware companies do make a lot of money by signing up as an affiliate or reseller for other companies.  When you purchase one of their items, the spyware or adware companies receive a commission, or percentage, of the sale. 

This is generally done through those annoying pop-ups - but they also employ more covert and less noticeable methods to ensure they receive credit for generating sales for these merchants. 

Although many spyware infections are only meant to make the creator of the program money without stealing your credit card information, social security number or your identity, they still invade your privacy. 

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