Spyware vs Malware

[KAS]

Newbe questions:

Is Malware the same as Spyware?

I am the free Malwarebyte's AntiMalware software -- will this check for spyware?

Thanks

[noknojon]

Welcome KAS -

In one word no , but they are similar - Both are infections that can damage your computers system from the inside - Even if you are running a great antivirus program you should still scan for malware - Also if you scan every day with Malwarebytes you still need an antivirus - Even the free versions like Avira / Avast / or the free Microsoft Security Essentials (free to any genuine M/soft user) - Always use both please , just to make sure you are safe -

Thank You -

EDIT - You can check Wiki for details if you wish -

[KAS]

Welcome KAS -

In one word no , but they are similar - Both are infections that can damage your computers system from the inside - Even if you are running a great antivirus program you should still scan for malware - Also if you scan every day with Malwarebytes you still need an antivirus - Even the free versions like Avira / Avast / or the free Microsoft Security Essentials (free to any genuine M/soft user) - Always use both please , just to make sure you are safe -

Thank You -

EDIT - You can check Wiki for details if you wish -

Thank you for the welcome and reply -- I scan my computer regularly with Malware and Avast...but will using the free Malware software check for spyware as well? (Sorry if I missed that in your reply to me).

KAS

[noknojon]

Thanks for that KAS -

Spyware tends tp "Spy on your activities" where malware is malicious (Meant to damage your system) - Many antivirus programs cannot remove this once it has been installed (infiltrated) into your system -

Sorry I was a bit quick earlier but I was doing 2 things when I should only do 1 at a time -

Thank You -

[nosirrah]

One of the problems is that malware over time becomes more complex to both evade detection and perform its tasks . As a result the lines between threats is slowly vanishing .

If current trends continue within 3 years all apps will be considered antivirus or antimalware and the big difference between them will have more to do with how they detect and less the actual what .

Microsoft gave this trend a push in Vista when their security center reported on the status of your antivirus software and antimalware software .

[miekiemoes]

Malware is the general term being used for a "malicious software" program, so this includes worms, trojans, adware, spyware, viruses, crimeware, basically anything malicious. So yes, spyware is malware.

Wiki explains it pretty well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

[KAS]

Thanks for all the info...so am I good for checking for Spyware with the free Malwarebyte software I have (ver 1.43)?

[miekiemoes]

Yes, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware detects spyware as well

[KAS]

Thanks!!!

[srtools1980y]

@ KAS

fyi:

Malware

Malware is a very general word for software that deliberately harms, restricts, alters, or stops your computer from working properly where the true purpose of the download or installation is hidden or difficult to find and not clearly explained to the user. The user does not give permission for installation and use. Malware includes adware, spyware, tracking cookies and infectors (worms, viruses, Trojans, backdoors, toolkits). The basic rule for safety is to use both updated anti-spyware and anti-virus software.

Malware can arrive through an internet download, as an email link or attachment, as a file sent between users of instant messaging, social networking communities, peer-to-peer file sharing programs, online games, online video games or chatrooms or a link to a malicious webpage. Sometimes when someone downloads a "free" program from the internet, whether the program is for access to a restricted website, to play a game, or to use a peer-to-peer file sharing program, there can be compensation for the privilege of downloading the free software. This compensation can be:

Edited January 6, 2010 by srtools1980y
Added source

[KAS]

Thanks! That is a little scary, epecially about the Terms for Use issue and tracking my computer....

KAS

[KAS]

Question,

IT is mentioned in the information above:

Giving your permission by marking the box that says you already read the "Terms of the Agreement" or the "License Agreement" before downloading. These agreements can say you are giving your permission to the company or website to track or monitor your online activities or behavior for marketing or statistical purposes, or you can be giving your permission for this company or website to use the resources of your computer.

If that were to happen, how can this be stopped?

[srtools1980y]

Just uncheck the irrelevant box/boxes before installing.

If there is no such choice (by default) then don't download that soft, instead try the competitor's.

Software from reputed companies will have the choice.

[whatmeworry?]

Just uncheck the irrelevant box/boxes before installing.

If there is no such choice (by default) then don't download that soft, instead try the competitor's.

Software from reputed companies will have the choice.

In my experience, you rarely if ever have the choice of whether or not to agree before installing a program. If you don't check the "I agree" box, the installation will usually not proceed. The only thing you can do is find a company whose terms you feel comfortable agreeing to.

[KAS]

Thanks to all for the great info!

God Bless

KAS