'Grayware' is a term that regularly appears on IT and security professionals' radar screens today. An umbrella term applied to a wide range of applications that are installed on a user's computer to track and/or report certain information back to some external source, these applications are usually installed and run without the permission of the user.

Grayware categories

Adware: Adware is usually embedded in freeware applications that users can download and install at no cost. Adware programs are used to load pop-up browser windows to deliver advertisements when the application is open or run.

Dialers: Dialers are grayware applications that are used to control the PC's modem. These applications are generally used to make long distance calls or call premium 900 numbers to create revenue for the thief.

Gaming: Gaming grayware applications are usually installed to provide jokes or nuisance games.

Joke: Joke grayware are applications that are used to change system settings, but do no damage to the system. Examples include changing the system cursor or Windows' background image.

Peer-to-Peer: P2P grayware are applications that are installed to perform file exchanges. (P2P) While P2P is a legitimate protocol that can be used for business purposes, the grayware applications are often used to illegally swap music, movies, and other files.

Spyware: Spyware applications are usually included with freeware. Spyware is designed to track and analyze a user's activity, such a user's web browsing habits. The tracked information is sent back to the originator's Web site where it may be recorded and analyzed. Spyware can be responsible for performance related issues on the user's PC.

Key logger: Key loggers are perhaps one of the most dangerous grayware applications. These programs are installed to capture the keystrokes made on a keyboard. These applications can be designed to capture user and password information, credit card numbers, email, chat, instant messages, and more.

Hijacker: Hijackers are grayware applications that manipulate the Web browser or other settings to change the user's favorite or bookmarked sites, start pages, or menu options. Some hijackers have the ability to manipulate DNS settings to reroute DNS requests to a malicious DNS server.

Plugins: Plugin grayware applications are designed to add additional programs or features to an existing application in an attempt to control, record, and send browsing preferences or other information back to an external destination.

Network management: Network management tools are grayware applications that are designed to be installed to for malicious purposes. These applications are used to change Tools network settings, disrupt network security, or cause other forms of network disruption.

Remote administration tools: These tools are grayware applications that allow an external user to remotely gain access, change, or monitor a computer on a network.

BHO: BHO grayware applications are DLL files that are often installed as part of a software application to allow the program to control the behavior of Internet Explorer. Not all BHOs are malicious, but the potential exists to track surfing habits and gather other information stored on the host.

Toolbar: Toolbar grayware applications are installed to modify the computer's existing toolbar features. These programs can be used to monitor web habits, send information back to the developer, or change the functionality of the host.

Download: Downloaders are grayware applications that are installed to allow other software to be downloaded and installed without the user's knowledge. These applications are usually run during the startup process and can be used to install advertising, dial software, or other malicious code.