Spyware and its endless threats to internet users can strike in numerous ways; penetrating areas users thought were secure and untouchable. Recently, a day trader logged into his TD Waterhouse online account and found his account was nearly empty. The cause was a keylogger. The perpetrator had sent a message inviting investors to test a new stock charting tool.

Anyone who wanted to participate in the testing was sent a link to download and install. The download was actually a keylogger that found and recorded usernames and passwords keyed into the infected computer.

The intruder was charged with fraudulently accessing an individuals computer and executing security transactions. The transactions amounted to nearly $50,000. Owner of the spyware software SpyCop said this example of keylogger intrusion is one of many that occur regularly, especially with spouse tracking each other.

Keyloggers have the capability to record everything you type into your computer. The information they can gather may be your credit card number, social security number, username, password and more.

Once a spyware application such as keyloggers has your information it is often sold or sent straight to the intruder who will use it for identity theft or fraud. Programs such as SpyCop are able to detect and remove current spyware infections. Once your system is clean SpyCop has features that will actively protect your computer from spyware while you surf the internet.