Spyware - What is Spyware? Spyware Definition
What is Spyware?
Spyware is any program intended to collect data from your PC and send it to a third party. There are two different types of spyware; productivity-focused spyware and malicious spyware.
Applications such as antivirus collect data on PCs and other devices to increase their efficiency in combating different types of malware. Some applications collect data such as application crashes and send reports to the creators who then use the data to improve the applications. Users, particularly freelancers, must install tracking applications that take screen grabs and other metrics which are used to measure their productivity within a certain period. All these are examples of legitimate and productive spyware. Users have an idea of the spying component of these applications when installing them.
What is malicious spyware?
Malicious spyware on the other hand are applications that collect data and send it to attackers. Usually, attackers use malicious spyware programs to collect information from a PC or any other device such as personal documents, login credentials, bank details, and other PII data. This information is used to commit crimes related to identity theft, banking fraud, and others. Malicious spyware can also target an organization. Malicious spyware can be used to collect an organization's information to commit IP (intellectual property) theft and corporate blackmail and espionage. Usually, malicious spyware is installed without the users' consent.
Spyware can also be keyloggers that track user input via mouse and keyboard events and send this data to remote C&Cs (Command and Control) devices operated by attackers.
How to protect against malicious spyware?
To protect against malicious spyware, and other types of malware, it's essential to keep applications such as OS and other software up to date, use reputable antivirus software, and practice safe browsing habits such as avoiding clicking on email attachments and visiting unsafe websites. Also, install applications from their official pages and app stores. Illegal applications are often used to spread malware such as malicious spyware. It is a good practice to enable MFA (multi-factor authentication) in your accounts to add an extra layer of protection in case attackers get hold of your login details.
Remember to regularly back up important data to help mitigate the impact of malware attacks.
