The single, all-encompassing term “spyware” is more or less a misnomer, for there are a number of different kinds of software that engage in data harvesting and come under the broad, umbrella-like term “spyware”. Spyware can be loosely associated with viruses; Trojans and Worms being the closest relative to viruses, but there is a fine line of difference. Viruses are typically self-replicating. They can copy themselves and spread from computer to computer through security holes and exploits, as well as relying on a user’s poor security habits to quietly slip in to an unguarded system. Spyware usually relies on a user’s ignorance and credulity to infect a system and does not engage in replication. So, in effect, the first and best form of prevention is awareness.

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