Below is a list of categories that spyware programs are grouped in. Click on a category name to see a list of spyware in that category.

Adware
Adware is software designed to provide annoying, and usually unwanted, popup advertising on your computer. Usually, these applications monitor your Internet activity, including shopping habits, to provide targeted advertising for sponsors.

Browser Helper Object
These are components designed to infect Microsoft Internet Explorer® and load when Internet Explorer loads. These components share system memory space with Internet Explorer and can perform any action within Internet Explorer, including redirecting you to different web sites and monitoring your Internet activity.

Dialer
Dialers are programs that attempt to dial an outside phone number through dial-up networking. Some dialers connect to local Internet Service Providers (ISP) and conduct legitimate opertaions, while others dial toll phone numbers without user awareness, causing your credit card to be billed for the toll charges.

Keystroke Logger
Keystroke loggers are designed to track all keys pressed on the keyboard, saving this information to a text file or sending the information to an e-mail recipient. Keystroke loggers are very dangerous because they can log passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, and all other personal information entered on your computer, including email correspondence.

Malware
Malware is a term used to describe malicious software like viruses, Trojans, Denial of Service applications, and other such programs. These programs usually exist to cause system instability, take advantage of security flaws, or steal information.

Miscellaneous
Spyware applications that are in this category usually fit multiple categories and are grouped into a miscellaneous category.

Remote Administration
Spyware programs listed in this category provide an attacker with complete control over your computer, allowing them to track keystrokes, view active processes, and even see a live view of your computer screen to watch what you are doing.