Adware, spyware, malware, trojans...it never ends. New threats seem to jump online everyday. It's almost impossible to keep track of what the threats are, what they do and how the threats can put you at risk for identity theft.

You certainly don't want any of these programs installed on your computer system, but it is even more critical that you understand which malware threats are the most dangerous and which programs you should be diligent in purging from your system.

We have compiled a quick reference on the threats that you will more than likely come across while surfing on the internet and which threats you should remove immediately to prevent identity theft from happening to you.

Spyware -
The main intention of most spyware is just that...to spy on you as you surf the internet. To analyze where you go, when you go there, and what you do once you get there. Advertisers use this compiled information to identify what your habits are with intention of putting an irresistible sales pitch before you that you just can't refuse but instead will prompt you to whip out your credit card and make a purchase.

The information gathered can even be more invasive to your privacy by obtaining your IP address that you are assigned when connecting to the internet and matching it to your network card's MAC address. The combination of this collected data with your surfing habits can give advertisers a very clear portrayal of your like and dislikes.

Now I have been conditioned to accept the reality that I am going to be bombarded with advertisements at just everything I do, and I also believe in the pursuit of the all-mighty dollar, but I am not willing to give up every aspect of my privacy while online to help someone make an easy buck.

Adware -
Adware programs are usually just plain irritating and can vary from a flashing banner ad, a pop up ad, a toolbar newly installed, to a hijacked search or home page. Adware can often cause conflicts in your system and slow the system to a crawl, possibly rendering your system nonfunctional.

Adware programs are usually packaged together with freeware programs and are installed simultaneously with the freeware program. The adware allows the author to give away his freeware program and still streamline a profit by receiving an income serving ads to you instead of charging you for the program. During installation of the program you are forced to accept the EULA (End-User License Agreement) which allows the advertiser to market directly to you in exchange for the free software.

The goal of some advertisers is to serve you targeted ads by tracking your web habits by installing an additional component to perform this function. In this situation the adware is no longer deemed just adware but instead its status is elevated to the spyware category.

Malware -
Malware normally encompasses a variety of programs that can include Trojans, viruses, and worms. Malware is usually intent on causing varying levels of destruction on your system and is normally installed without your knowledge.

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