Harmful spyware is not always easy to identify This is becau

Harmful spyware is not always easy to identify. This is because not all software that performs one of the functions listed is necessarily spyware. With the proper notice, consent, and control, some of these same technologies can provide valuable benefits. For example, monitoring tools can help parents keep track of the online activities of their children, and remote-control features allow support technicians to remotely diagnose computer problems.

How would you differentiate between malicious spyware and legitimate spyware? In your opinion, what are the defining characteristics of each? Use the Internet to find one example of a legitimate spyware and provide the link in your response.

Solution

Spyware is software that aims to gather information about a person or organization without their knowledge, that may send such information to another entity without the consumer\'s consent, or that asserts control over a device without the consumer\'s knowledge

Ways to differentiate between legitimate and malicious spyware is that :
1) Dependency :
Legitimate spyware: legitimate spyware don\'t work independently. It normally works as a visible parasite.
   Malicious spyware: They usually a separate program that is installed unknowingly when you install another freeware type program or application. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else.

2)Warning during installation:
Legitimate spyware:Licensing agreements that accompany software downloads sometimes warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested software.

   Malicious spyware:They get installed secretly through various free programs or emails (example: jackpot emails )

3)Behaviour:

   Legitimate spyware: These type of spyware are normally designed for specific use i.e for gathering a particular type of information .So,they won\'t cause un-necessary changes as they don\'t work independetly
  Malicious spyware: These type of spyware works as an independent application so they can cause un-necessary changes in applications (mainly web browsers where they can collect passwords easily ) which we normally think as hardware faults,etc.

It is important to remember that not all companies who claim their software contains legitimate spyware are really offering that. There is always a chance that it is spyware in disguise so to speak, and that programs with embedded spyware may not state its existence at all. Always stay on the side of caution and be sure to research privacy policies and licensing agreements that come with freeware. You should also become familiar with Internet lists of companies reported to be using spyware. Much like a firewall or anti-virus program, anti-spyware software is crucial to maintain optimal protection and security on your computer and network.

Sorry,we can\'t provide link for any of our response,it\'s against the Chegg policy.

But,I would still say don\'t use any type of spyware.Keep restrictions on the usage of some application rather than using spyware as many of the companies in the name of legitimate spyware also provide malicious spyware.So,one can\'t believe wherther her/his private information is secured or not.

The list of anti-spyware to be safe are :
  1)Bitdefender
  2)Norton security

Example of alternative for legitimate spyware is Security Eye 2.0 .(which is not a spyware but just keeps surveillance.

Hope,I helped you.If you need some more information please let us know.We would love to help you.