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What is Spyware?
Spyware in cyber security is an umbrella term for a broad category of malware that observes and records your use of your computer and sends that information back to the threat actors. They can capture keystrokes, browsing habits, payment card details, usernames, passwords, files that you’ve created or opened, and emails that you’ve sent.
Sometimes this information is sold to marketing companies. More often, it is exploited to illegally access your credit cards, cryptocurrency wallets, PayPal accounts, and online banking details.
Extracted personal information can also be used for identity theft and other types of fraud.
So, what does spyware do? The simple spyware explanation is something that collects sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, or browsing habits. Spyware can track keystrokes, capture screenshots, and even record audio or video. This information is then sent to attackers for identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious uses.
Key Takeaways
- Spyware is malware that secretly collects data like passwords and credit card info, often leading to identity theft.
- It spreads through phishing emails, downloads, and compromised websites, so stay vigilant online.
- Signs of spyware include slow performance, frequent pop-ups, and high data usage.
- Remove spyware with antispyware tools and update your passwords to secure your accounts.
- Prevention is key: Keep software updated, use security tools, and avoid untrusted downloads.
How Spyware Works
Spyware often slips in through phishing emails, malicious links, or bundled software downloads. Once it gets onto your system, spyware runs silently in the background, gathering data.
The process typically begins with installation when you accidentally download the spyware. It then embeds itself into your system, adjusting settings to avoid detection. Once it’s hidden, spyware can track keystrokes, monitor browsing activity, and capture sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers.
Finally, the collected information is sent to the attacker, who uses it for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.
Types of Spyware
Several types of malware can be qualified as spyware and they make it to you in various ways.
Here are several types of spyware.
Adware pushes unwanted adverts onto your desktop and in your browser. The threat actors are paid a tiny amount per delivery of an advert or each time a user interacts with an advert by clicking a link or button. The adverts can be downloaders for other forms of malware.
As well as delivering unwanted adverts to you, adware usually monitors your activities and keystrokes.
A surprise entry in the list, perhaps, but cookies are able to extract a tremendous amount of personal information from your computer. The majority of data-gathering cookies feed into the great online marketing machine, but more sinister and malicious cookies are not unheard of.
A trojan is a form of malware that piggybacks onto your computer when you download or install a compromised – or purposefully malicious – software application. Once installed, trojans can perform many types of illegal activity, including installing other malware.
Some trojans install keyloggers or other data-stealing programs.
Keyloggers capture every keypress you make, allowing threat actors to obtain your usernames and passwords for every account you log into. They can be used for simple financial gain or for industrial espionage.
Some online shopping sites reward websites that direct traffic to them. When the stealware detects you’re going to one of those shopping websites, it modifies the messages sent to the site to make it think the site you are leaving is the threat actor’s site.
That way, the cybercriminals accrue the credits from the online shopping sites.
System monitors are like keyloggers on steroids. They record everything that happens on the computer. All keystrokes and all traffic in and out of the computer, including emails, chat conversations, which programs have been used, which websites have been visited, and video or VOIP calls that have been made from the infected computer.
Sophisticated examples can also assess the defenses and weaknesses of the computer and send the list of vulnerabilities to the threat actors.
How Does Spyware Spread?
Spyware uses all the usual distribution methods to propagate itself.
Phishing emails with malicious links or attachments are used most frequently. If you fall for the scam and click the link, you’re taken to a malicious website that infects you. But these types of links can be delivered through other mechanisms, too, such as text messages, pop-up windows in your browser, and adverts on web pages.
Cybercriminals make use of legitimate advert delivery platforms to distribute their malicious adverts. Sometimes the user doesn’t need to click anything. The malicious advert can push a malware downloader onto your computer with no interaction from you.
Likewise, threat actors can inject malicious code into legitimate web pages. Landing on one of these pages is enough to trigger an infection or to redirect you to a lookalike, malicious website that will exploit a browser vulnerability. These types of attacks are called drive-by attacks.
Users can be enticed to download spyware. Downloading music, films, or software from file-sharing or illegal torrent sites is a high-risk activity. Many of the torrents are compromised and carry unwanted malware stowaways.
Smartphones are also targets for spyware. Policing the Google and Apple app stores is a massive and complicated task. Great strides are being made, but examples of malicious apps masquerading as games or useful utilities are still hitting the news.
Choosing to install software because a pop-up window in your browser offers you a free scan or a way to speed up your PC will result in malware being installed.
How to Detect Spyware
Detecting spyware on your smartphone or computer can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack – challenging but not impossible. However, there are some telltale signs and methods you can use to identify whether your device is compromised.
Here are some common symptoms that you’ve been infected with spyware:
How to Remove Spyware
If you suspect that your device is infected with spyware, disconnect from the Internet to prevent any further data transmission to the threat actor. Run a full system scan for spyware using reputable antivirus software or an anti-malware/anti-spyware program. Follow the software’s recommendations to quarantine or remove the detected spyware.
Post-removal, change all your passwords, especially for critical accounts like email and financial services, to prevent unauthorized access. Keep your security software updated, and always exercise caution when downloading software or clicking on links to keep your system spyware-free moving forward.
Antispyware Tools
Several reliable antispyware tools can help detect and remove spyware from your system:
7 Tips to Prevent Spyware Infection
Avoiding infection is a combination of technology and user behavior.
- Use reliable endpoint protection software and update it daily
- Be cautious with unsolicited emails, suspicious links, and attachments
- Download software only from official or trusted websites
- Install apps only from official app stores. Prevent jailbreaking; use MDM tools to enforce security policies
- Keep all software and browsers updated to reduce the risk of drive-by spyware attacks
- Use a reputable ad blocker, but be aware some may track your activity
- Conduct regular staff training on recognizing and avoiding spyware threats
Spyware Examples
Several high-profile spyware attacks have made headlines due to their impact and sophistication.
Here are some popular examples:
| Spyware | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Pegasus | A powerful spyware used for surveillance, gaining access to calls, messages, cameras, and microphones. | Often deployed by governments to monitor journalists, activists, and dissidents. |
| FinFisher | Government-grade spyware used for tracking communications and gathering sensitive data. | Commonly used for spying on activists, journalists, and political opponents. |
| DarkHotel | Targets high-profile individuals by infecting devices via hotel Wi-Fi networks. | Business executives and government officials staying in luxury hotels. |
The Bottom Line
The simple spyware definition is a threat that can secretly steal your personal info without you even knowing. It’s sneaky and often hard to detect, which makes it all the more dangerous.
The best way to protect yourself is to stay cautious online – be picky about what you download and click on, keep your software updated, and use good security tools. Regularly check your devices for anything suspicious.
A little bit of effort now can save you from a big headache later.
FAQs
What is spyware in simple terms?
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References
- Spybot Free Edition – Spybot Anti-Malware and Antivirus : Spybot Anti-Malware and Antivirus (Safer-networking)
- Anti-Malware & Spyware Removal Software | SUPERAntiSpyware (Superantispyware)
- AdwCleaner 2024 – Free Adware Cleaner & Removal Tool | (Malwarebytes)
- FinSpy: the ultimate spying tool (Kaspersky)
- DarkHotel APT Attacks: How They Work (Kaspersky)
