Large websites that request or require information from visitors in exchange for custom pages or specialized sales approaches usually require that visitors accept cookies onto their computers. The type of cookie that the Web site sends to the visitor’s computer is sometimes referred to as a Web bug. Note that the terms spyware, stealware, and adware are sometimes used to describe the same or similar types of malicious code.

The Web sites that are using adware code claim that they take these actions to improve the customer experience. The flip side of that perspective is that if users have a better experience, they will spend more money at the Web site. This tactic seems harmless enough on the surface, but the danger is in what the Web site owners ultimately do with the information collected. Website owners usually post a privacy policy assuring you that your privacy is protected. Most privacy policies are oblique at best and are designed to provide the website owner with maximum flexibility on how the data is used.