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Spyware
Summary: Much of what we call spyware, like adware, can be relatively benign. But there's definitely the more intrusive, damaging kind of spyware as well.
The scenario you outline is a little unclear, but the short answer is probably ... Yes • Most of what we call spyware is relatively benign. Annoying and intrusive, but not particularly malicious. Then there's the other kind. To get to your question, it is very possible that spyware could, while you are conversing in an instant messaging program:
This is also a good example of the fact that there are both "good" and "bad" types of spyware. For example in a prior article, "How can I keep my kids safe from internet garbage?" I talked about commercially available packages that can be used by parents to monitor or control their children's internet use. Is it spyware? Technically yes. It could be used to do exactly the types of things we're talking about here. On purpose. Related:
Article 249 | Posted June 6, 2004 |
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No one in my family uses my computer except me, but someone has, somehow remotely from a long distance away, put files on my hard drive, and used my email address, and even my IP. Things are supposedly coming from my computer that are NOT coming from my computer. I've even discovered unfamiliar, or renamed files, pictures, etc, and music. Often when I use my computer, the mouse seems to have a mind of its own, and certain programs tell me that they are already being used by someone. To wit: My computer is either haunted, or is being used freely by someone else who does not live in my house. My kids are grown and do not live here, and my husband has his own computer. Can an IP be remotely hijacked to the point that someone uses my computer from a distance, as if it were her own? Thank you for listening. This is making me crazy. And I didn't have far to go. . . .
Posted by: Jane at June 11, 2004 10:27 AM-Jane
Want to get rid of Spyware? Don't bother with SpyWare Nuker. A total rip off.
Posted by: Jerry at June 13, 2004 10:52 AMIts very sneaky, even most detectors cant get them all. But try using Firefox instead of IE.
Posted by: George Arauz at June 3, 2007 9:42 AMI know my boss is reading my emails. (dont ask how but its been verified) now that I am aware of it I will be using my home computer more often. It only seems though when I Deleted my emails they are being read. Since I am afaid to delete anything is there a way to get rid of sent messages without hitting my delete?
Posted by: april at September 23, 2007 3:39 AM