Spyware

Spyware is software that covertly gathers user information through the user's internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers.

Spyware is pretty much relevant to everyone. It's relevant to me because I really don't want someone going through my personal stuff on my computer. An example is Ebay. I use Ebay quite a lot and when I buy something I must use my credit card. If I have spyware on my computer then it could take my credit card number and distribute it to whoever it wants to. Then my credit card is going to be taken on a shopping spree without me knowing until I see the big, fat bill!!

websites used:
http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci214518,00.html
http://web.njit.edu/~bieber/CIS677F04/stafford-spyware-cais2004.pdf
http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.ohiolink.edu:9099/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=108&sid=f5760ce3-ec07-48ee-ab92-47153bf5f00b%40sessionmgr106

The search method that gave me the most results was definitely google.com by millions. It also gave me the most results that were more relevant to this assignment. The search engine that gave me the most valid results was googlescholar.com. Least valid was the ohiolink search engine. I think that google.com is best to be used for homework and self interest, while google scholar would be good for reports and for important data. The ohiolink is best to be used for finding articles, books, etc.