What is spyware?

What is spyware?

Aimed at:  Edinburgh Napier’s staff 

Spyware (also referred to as Adware) is a program that secretly monitors your actions as you surf the internet.

It's often used by companies wishing to gather information about customers e.g. to target adverts.

Occasionally the software is also used by hackers.

Anti-spyware software is built into the anti-virus software installed on all desktops at the University and in the anti-virus software for home use.

When you scan for viruses on your desktop, spyware is also scanned.