| what does 'Scumware'
mean anyways?
Sometimes its easier to understand the concepts behind
these types of programs, so here is a mini-reference
with definitions which describe how each type of software
works and how it is commonly used.
Scumware:
Software, scripts or programs that are specifically
designed to circumvent or steal revenue and traffic
from legitimate web sites. Most scumware is also considered
to be spyware since it usually includes programs which
transmit your personal information. Scumware is usually
installed without consent and bundled with other programs
such as popular filesharing programs or Adware.
Spyware:
Software components that are usually downloaded for
free from the internet and installed with products that
send information from the user's computer without their
knowledge or consent. Although it is predominantly found
in shareware, spyware can also be found in legitimately
purchased commercial software that collects personal
information from your computer. It is generally considered
to consist primarily of 'stealth' components and background
processes that may violate your privacy and/or expose
your personal information and your computer to attack.
Usually the information sent is benign in nature, mostly
concerned with general marketing information (ie., spending
habits) rather than specific information like credit
card numbers, although some programs are capable of
retrieving specific information as well. Spyware does
not respect privacy as information is transmitted without
consent.
Adware:
Adware is advertising supported software. It can be
downloaded free from the web but carries banner advertisements
or links that attempt to create revenue for the company.
It usually installs components on your computer that
transmit marketing information to central servers which
in some programs is then used to tailor the advertising
presented for increased effectiveness. The main difference
between Adware and Spyware is that Adware usually contains
a disclosure which reveals exactly which information
is being collected and how it is used.
Malware:
This term has been shortened from "malicious software"
and is usually applied to cover a wide range of 'hostile'
software such as Viruses, Trojan Horses and Worms. It
is software that is designed specifically to damage
or disrupt a system, files or its components.
|
