Spyware is usually defined as a type of malware (software that gathers information from a computer without the user’s knowledge or consent). Some spyware applications may also be deliberately installed and often contain advertisements, window pop-ups or different types of unpleasant software. Ideally, spyware and other malware should be prevented from intruding.
Currently, the most common source of infection is websites with potentially dangerous content in emails. Other methods of transmission include e-mail or transmission by worms and viruses. The most important protection is to use an always-on background scanner, such as the cutting edge NCES Spyware component. It works like a resident shield and scans applications in the background as they run.