Malware, Spyware and Adware are a very diverse group of programs with a variety of dangers and levels of threat to a computer. These programs are becoming a severe problem on computers like collects various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habit, sites that have visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs.

Malware is short for “malicious” software and is typically refer to any software designed to cause damage to a single computer, server, or computer network. It includes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Destructive malware will utilize popular communication tools to spread, including worms sent through email and instant messages, Trojan horses dropped from web sites, and virus-infected files downloaded from peer-to-peer connections. Malware will also seek to exploit existing vulnerabilities on systems making their entry quiet and easy.

Spyware is any software that tracks and sends personally identifiable information or confidential information to third parties. Spyware can be downloaded from Web sites, email messages, instant messages, and from direct file-sharing connections. Spyware often comes attached to Utilities such as a time and date manager, music download software, or “toolbar buddies.” Additionally, a user may unknowingly receive spyware by accepting an End User License Agreement from a software program.

Adware is software that serves banner ads or pop-up ads to you or sometimes change your homepage. Frequently installed without user’s knowledge. In addition to downloading ads, sometimes working in conjunction with Spyware it may also upload user information collected without explicit permission

Effects of Malware, Spyware and Adware:

• Monitors your Internet Surfing, 
• Collects Passwords,
• Changes System Settings on your computer. 
• Hijacks Internet Browsing. 
• Pop-ups. 
• Alters your Browser (Internet Explorer.) 
• Hijacks Use of your Computer. 
• Installs Other Software on the computer without your knowledge or consent. 
• Leaves Tracking Cookies on your computer.
• Logs all Keystrokes on your computer.

Prevention:

• Don’t open email attachments that you’re not expecting. 
• Don’t go to websites that you don’t trust. 
•  Don’t install software when you’re unsure what it does. 
• Many file-sharing programs install a huge amount of Spyware, you should avoid them. 
• If a browser or instant messenger popup asks you to install software it’s probably not a good idea to install it.
• Research the program you want to install to make sure that it does not come bundled with Malware. 
• Always update your Anti-virus/Anti-spyware software