ABSTRACT

Spyware is regarded as the largest threat to Internet users since spam, yet most users do not even know

spyware is on their personal computers (PCs). Spyware (a.k.a. adware, foistware, malware, pestware,

scumware, sneakware, snoopware, and trespassware) includes “[a]ny software that covertly gathers user

information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising

purposes” (FTC, 2004b). The definition is so broad that it may cover software that is beneficial and

benign or software that has poorly written, inefficient code (FTC, 2004c). The Center for Democracy and

Technology, a policy research group, has proposed that software that hijacks Web traffic, tracks Internet

users without their knowledge and consent, and is not easily removable should be considered spyware.