Bundled Spyware

Buyer Beware – Bundled Spyware Could Be On Your Computer

You probably know that many software programs are packaged or bundled with other smaller programs, but what you may not know is that some of these smaller programs are actually spyware. Intentionally bundled to coincide with the installation process of the software program to retrieve your personal information.

How is Bundled Spyware Distributed?

A new player in the software arena may find it difficult to get their software noticed. They may make very little on their initial development investment. However, there are many third parties (ad agencies, marketers of other products, research companies) who are willing to pay to get vital information from the software manufacturers customer base. Obviously, not many consumers volunteer to disclose personal data such as online surfing habits, etc. So these third parties look for alternatives to retrieve this information. Bundling their spyware programs with the software developers' applications makes this possible. Now, the software company makes money by distributing the spyware and the "third parties" get their personal consumer information. It is a very amicable relationship.

Sometimes the process is reversed. A spyware distributer will hire a programmer to write a gimmick application just to have something to bundle with the spyware. Some programs are made just good enough to entice people to download and install it and at the same time they install the bundled spyware. Now of course they don't tell you about the bundled spyware, or if they do it is in very small print hidden in the long I Accept policy.

Even more deceptive and dangerous is the distribution of spyware through peer-to-peer networks. In this case neither the manufacturer of the software, nor the end user have knowledge of the bundled spyware. It is in these cases that the spyware is often the most intrusive or malicious. Note: Most peer-to-peer file sharing programs are also bundled with spyware.

Is bundled spyware on your computer?
If you have downloaded free software and notice unwanted pop-ups, or if your computer seems a bit sluggish – chances are, you have spyware. If you are unsure whether you need an anti-spyware program check out our reviews of top anti-spyware programs. Many of these programs have free 30 trials that allow you to scan your system for free.

How do I get rid of bundled spyware?
Getting rid of spyware is not always easy. It can be removed mannually by editing the Windows registry and deleting files or by using a good spyware removal tool. I recommend one of our top rated spyware removal tools Aluria Anti-Spyware or Spy Sweeper.

To see a side-by-side comparisons of all of the top Anti spyware programs. visit our spyware remover software reviews. To learn more about spyware and harmful spyware infections see our spyware information page.