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.
