Which of the following are software applications designed to track a user’s personal information with the intent to pass it on to third parties without the user’s permission? Each correct answer represents a complete solution. Choose all that apply.

A.
Adware

B.
Zombie

C.
Spyware

D.
Stealware

Explanation:
Spyware is an insidious type of malware that is installed on computers and collects little bits of information at a time about users without their knowledge. Its presence is typically hidden from the user, and can be difficult to detect. It is secretly installed on the user’s personal computer. It is installed by the owner of a shared, corporate, or public computer on purpose in order to secretly monitor other users. Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. Adware usually includes code that tracks a user’s personal information and passes it on to third parties, without the user’s authorization or knowledge. Answer option B is incorrect. A zombie is malicious software that secretly takes over another computer connected to the Internet. The zombie’s creator uses the same computer to launch attacks that are difficult to detect.
Zombies are used in denial-of-service attacks. The attacker plants a zombie in hundreds of computers belonging to unsuspecting third parties, and then uses these computers against targeted websites. These computers are also called zombie computers. Zombies are also used to commit click fraud against sites displaying pay per click advertising. Others can host phishing or money mule recruiting websites. Answer option D is incorrect. Stealware is associated with Web bugs or spyware. It is used by Web sites to affiliate marketing programs. Stealware attributes can be present in peer-to-peer software applications. Spyware, adware, and stealware are similar types of malicious code. Some Websites are advertised as free and allow information to be downloaded. However, a pop-up window with a disclaimer should appear. The disclaimer discloses information of possible charges or rerouting of the Web site. The users should read the disclaimer to learn what charges are applicable before clicking the advertisement. Otherwise, they will be liable to pay a large sum of money. The working procedure of
stealware is shown in the figure below: