Spyware is software that hides itself somewhere on your computer collecting information about you and what you do on the internet.

Spyware can invade your privacy by passing on your personal details without you even knowing that this is what it is doing.

If you shop on the internet using your credit or debit cards some spyware can record your credit card details so beware!

Basic spyware

Spyware is often downloaded onto your PC when you download other free software. When you see a license agreement for any software you download from the internet read it carefully.

Often buried in the licence agreement will be a disclaimer saying that information about you and your browsing habits will be sent to the company's website.

Read the license agreement

The information collected about you is usually for advertising purposes but spyware can scan files on your hard drive, listen in on other applications like chat programs, read cookies - the list is endless...

Adware and malware

Adware is a form of spyware which installs secret advertising software on your computer. These generate on-screen adverts (often pop-ups) which can be really annoying!

The worst forms of adware 'hijack' links in web pages. So, instead of taking you to the correct website they take you to a different site - who have often paid the adware makers.

Malware is another form of spyware. It's short for malicious software and is often designed to cause damage to your computer system just like a virus does.