Introduction
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At first comparison, spyware and computer viruses might appear to have
more in common than not. They are both malicious programs, they both
impact system stability, and the effects of both can range from being a
nuisance to inflicting serious damage. They are also both programs that
require specialized tools for their removal.

And while these two different types of malicious programs might closely
resemble each another at first glimpse, there are significant differences:

• Unlike viruses, the motivations behind spyware are financial, which
has driven rapid technical innovation and broad distribution.
• Spyware is curiously difficult to locate for research, requiring
specialized, proactive methods for discovery.
• Removing spyware is especially complicated and problematic because
newer versions are highly adept at remaining on a system.
• The business impacts of spyware are greater, as it compromises
privacy, threatens assets and affects productivity beyond even the
damage caused by viruses.

The bottom line is that spyware presents a unique and serious problem
that requires its own dedicated defenses. As spyware rapidly
proliferates today, its well-funded developers are creating increasingly
sophisticated versions, and it is clear that solutions devoted to
handling the intricacies of spyware are necessary.
In this paper we will closely examine the differences between spyware
and computer viruses. The first line of defense is education, and
understanding the unique threat spyware poses is the first step in a
practical plan for protection.


**

Conclusion
**********

In summary, spyware is uniquely difficult to identify, and it becomes
entangled in the systems it infects, making its removal extremely
complicated. Spywareʼs impact can be dramatically different from that of
viruses, resulting in significant loss to theft of assets and decreased
productivity. Finally, because it is financially motivated and backed by
increasing investment from a thriving industry, spyware is advancing
rapidly and becoming progressively more complex.

When examined more closely, it is apparent that spyware has very
different properties from viruses. Understanding the unique properties
of spyware is the first defense against its dangers. Dealing with
spyware is a complex challenge that requires specialized techniques.
Today more than ever, computer users need to rely on a dedicated
solution designed specifically to help navigate the unique threats of
spyware.

Ref: http://www.webroot.com/shared/pdf/Sp...VS-Viruses.pdf