What’s a nuisance, what’s a threat

Cookies, pop-ups, and adware are tools that track your online behavior, and are used to promote various products. Many cookies are harmless online information gathering and tracking tools. The majority of adware consists of pop-up ads that are merely unsolicited nuisances. The problem is that hackers and online criminals are increasingly using cookies and adware to quietly sneak onto your computer and to access your personal information without your knowledge. This “spyware” watches and

records everything you do online, leaving your passwords, private account information, and other personal and sensitive information vulnerable.

Once captured, this information can be sent back to online criminals for use in accessing your private

information, stealing your identity, and your money. It can also be used to highjack your computer for

illegal purposes. Spyware finds its way to your computer through:

• Web sites you browse on the Internet.

• Adware and pop-ups that load onto your computer.

• Results of your Internet searches.

• Unusual eCommerce sites you visit.

• Software you download onto your computer from the Internet.

• Weaknesses in the operating system software you’re using.