More that 90 percent of Internet users in the United States have altered their online behavior significantly to counter the threat of spyware programs, according to a study released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

The Pew report (PDF file), written by associate director Susannah Fox, highlights the increased awareness of privacy and other threats presented by adware and spyware programs.

Overall, the project's survey found that nine out of 10 of Internet users have made at least one change in their online behavior to avoid unwanted software programs.

These behavior changes include not opening e-mail attachments unless they are sure these documents are safe or not visiting specific Web sites that they fear might deposit unwanted programs on their computers.

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