Spyware and Grayware Parent topic

Endpoints are at risk from potential threats other than viruses/malware. Spyware/Grayware refers to applications or files not classified as viruses or Trojans, but can still negatively affect the performance of the endpoints on your network and introduce significant security, confidentiality, and legal risks to your organization. Often spyware/grayware performs a variety of undesired and threatening actions such as irritating users with pop-up windows, logging user keystrokes, and exposing endpoint vulnerabilities to attack.
If you find an application or file that OfficeScan cannot detect as grayware but you think is a type of grayware, send it to Trend Micro for analysis:
http://esupport.trendmicro.com/solution/en-us/1059565.aspx
Type
Description
Spyware
Gathers data, such as account user names and passwords, and transmits them to third parties.
Adware
Displays advertisements and gathers data, such as user web surfing preferences, used for targeting advertisements at the user through a web browser.
Dialer
Changes endpoint Internet settings and can force the endpoint to dial pre-configured phone numbers through a modem. These are often pay-per-call or international numbers that can result in a significant expense for your organization.
Joke program
Causes abnormal endpoint behavior, such as closing and opening the CD-ROM tray and displaying numerous message boxes.
Hacking tool
Helps hackers enter computers.
Remote access tool
Helps hackers remotely access and control computers.
Password cracking application
Helps hackers decipher account user names and passwords.
Others
Other types of potentially malicious programs.