Reduced Computer Performance: To perform their tasks, spyware/grayware applications often require significant CPU and system memory resources.

Increased Web Browser-related Crashes: Certain types of grayware, such as adware, often display information in a browser frame or window. Depending on how the code in these applications interacts with system processes, grayware can sometimes cause browsers to crash or freeze and may even require a computer restart.

Reduced User Efficiency: By needing to close frequently occurring pop-up advertisements and deal with the negative effects of joke programs, users become unnecessarily distracted from their main tasks.

Degradation of Network Bandwidth: Spyware/Grayware applications often regularly transmit the data they collect to other applications running on or outside the network.

Loss of Personal and Corporate Information: Not all data spyware/grayware applications collect is as innocuous as a list of websites users visit. Spyware/Grayware can also collect user credentials, such as those used to access online banking accounts and corporate networks.

Higher Risk of Legal Liability: If computer resources on the network are hijacked, hackers may be able to utilize client computers to launch attacks or install spyware/grayware on computers outside the network. The participation of network resources in these types of activities could leave an organization legally liable to damages incurred by other parties.