Spyware

From ctowiki

Spyware is a malicious application installed on a computer, much like a virus, that reports back the web browsing habits of the user. This information is used to bring back advertisements, often in the form of popups.

The term "spyware" has become a generic term for any type of unwanted applications, including browser hijackers (applications that redirect web browsing) and malware (applications that prevent your computer from operating properly). Most (though not all) spyware applications target Microsoft Windows users.

There are many programs which will remove spyware from your computer, including Spybot, Lavasoft's Ad-Aware, and the WSU provided Symantec Antivirus. Students in the WSU Pullman area can also bring their computer to the IT Helpdesk to have spyware removed.