Stealware is software that changes affiliate tracking codes, modifies tracking cookies with the affiliate id of the thief, and overlays links on a website with links pointing to the thief’s websites and links.

Many times Stealware makes its way to your computer through the addition of toolbars and other freeware. It can be removed but as long as it resides on your computer, you are likely losing revenue, my friend!

Stealware works simply by replacing the affiliate id in any cookies created by the sales site when the thieves are also participants in that affiliate program. The software will also oftentimes “stuff cookies” on the infected computer. That means it will load the pc down with cookies from other sales sites.

The solution is to stay away from affiliate programs that allow Stealware to operate. Yes, some affiliate programs do! I suppose a more accurate statement would be that they simply don’t care enough to maintain the integrity of their system(s).