Spyware is any software that secretly collects information from the computer on which it is installed. Spyware then reports this information back to its creator via the Internet.

Data sent from the PC is encrypted and can potentially be anything found on your computer-email messages, personal documents and even keystroke logs. Once spyware embeds itself you cannot control unauthorized data being sent.

Spyware also has the ability to install additional software onto a computer without consent. There are typically no opt-out capabilities. This is the insidious and sophisticated nature of today's spyware. Scan my PC now.

Spyware can gain access to a system through every day tools such as web browsers. "Drive-by" downloads is a common method of infiltration (simply visiting a Web page or clicking on a link in an email) as is instant messaging (IM), streaming audio and video and a variety of third party programs such as peer to peer file sharing and other "freeware". Users are typically unaware of the dangers of installing such programs.