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Article: Feel like somebody's watching you?; Spyware can track user's online behavior
- Article from:
- Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque)
- Article date:
- March 21, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2004 Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque). Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Like spam, spyware is becoming more annoying and prevalent for
computer users.
Spyware has existed for years, but has lost its original intent.
In the beginning, spyware was a security measure, so parents or
businesses could monitor what Internet sites were being visited.
Now, spyware is any hardware or software installed on a computer
without the owner's consent. It tracks the user's online behavior and
sells it to other businesses. Since some spyware steals personal
information, including credit card numbers, some users have reported
identity theft.
"It's definitely getting worse," said Alan Bell, owner of Bel-Net
Network Services in Dyersville, Iowa.
The National Cyber Security Alliance ...