Spyware is software installed on a user's computer without their consent. Spyware is used to conduct identity and financial fraud. It scan's your computer for personal information. It can also keep a log of the keys you press which then gains your passwords and credit card numbers. Finally, it can also take screen shots of websites you visit obtaining personal information such as your address and telephone number.

To avoid being infected with spyware you can take a number of preventative measures.

1. Purchase reliable anti-spyware software from well known, reliable and legitimate companies. Often, spyware can proclaim to provide anti-spyware software, this is why trusted anti-spyware software should only be used.
2. When downloading software from the internet ensure that you only download programs from secure and trusted sites.
3. Pay close attention to the small details on licenses for programs. Ensure that the license doesn't give permission to apply spyware or other supplementary, unwanted programs to your computer.