The term Spyware refers in the art to a software that gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without the knowledge of a user thereof.
The source of Spyware applications is usually freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Also licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software, but the majority of the users ignore such warnings, and let the spyware to be installed in their computer.
Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else, usually a malicious object. Spyware can gather information about email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, browsing habits, and actually every activity that is made on the user's computer. They have the ability to monitor keystrokes, to scan files on the hard drive, to snoop other applications such as chat programs or word processors, to install other spyware programs, read cookies, etc.
In addition to violating ethics and privacy, spyware uses the user's computer memory resources and communication bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and system for detecting spyware activity at a user's computer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for blocking spyware activity at a user's computer.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and system for removing spyware from a user's computer.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.