Spyware Virus

Perhaps the most well known and popularized form of Malware is the Virus. A virus can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user.

The word "virus" is also commonly used, albeit erroneously, to refer to many different types of Spyware adware and Malware programs. The original virus may modify the copies, or the copies may modify themselves, as occurs in a metamorphic virus.

The virus is a program code that executes any malicious intent in a victim machine. Usually a virus's main objective is to infiltrate vital resources, exposing vital data to theft or attack, or to execute a specified program once the user fulfills a specific sequence of actions. Other variant and attachment of Virus compound definition includes Trojan horse, worms and its variants, and many unclassified Malware.

Spyware on the other hand is spy program as the word indicates, unwittingly installed on your system that reports something back to the software writer or website that installed it. The ultimate goal of a Spyware is to spy on your activities. They are dangerous especially when tracking your online transactions.

The malicious spyware works in conjunction with Keyloggers or any other programs that can steal your password, credit card number or any other Malware. Keyloggers record the keystrokes you type on your computer (some are more sophisticated in capturing screen shots, etc).

Spyware on the other hand does not need computer-to-computer contact to spread over the Internet like the virus but it usually do not replicate like the virus either. Since its goal is to stay hidden, Spyware will be dropped into pre-specified locations where it will attempt to snoop without being detected by your Anti-Spyware or Anti-virus.

Noteworthy too about Spyware and the difference from the virus, is that it does not have to infect the program that it comes attached to. Spyware usually travels by being attached to legitimate media or other programs. Unlike the host program for a Virus, which looses some if not all functionality, the bundled programs will work fine and can operate independently to the Spyware that piggybacked on it.

Protecting your computer against viruses, worms and Trojan horses doesn't have to take up much of your time or cost a lot of money. It is a must for every computer user today especially if you an Internet user, to have an antivirus and anti-spyware installed on their PC. This antivirus and anti-spyware must be one that is daily updated and work real-time in the background whenever the PC is on.