CHICAGO -- A company called Unwanted Links claims to be able to help consumers fight "spyware," Target 5's Lisa Parker reported. (Note: If you visit the Unwanted Links Web site, it will "thank you" with a pop-up window as you depart.)

Spyware, according to Parker, "can change computer settings, add links to advertisers' sites, and quietly share every move you make on the Web with advertisers."

Debbie St. Clair of Unwanted Links said spyware may display a licensing statement before it collects information from your computer -- or deposits unwanted links -- or it may strike without a warning.

"Some of these things (cookies) can be picked up just viewing a Web site," St. Clair said. "Just viewing a Web site."

Ben Isaacson of the Association for Interactive Marketing said the online advertising field is working to regulate itself and improve warnings to affected consumers.

"Making that information more legible and more understandable is very important," Isaacson said.

Parker said there is existing software that consumers can load onto their computers to protect against "the spies."

"Ad Aware is one free program that ferrets it out," Parker said.

Parker said computer users who dowload music and use instant messaging are the most likely targets of spyware.