What Is Spyware? How To Avoid This Malicious Software

Spyware is one of the most sinister cyber threats designed to secretly spy on you. If left unchecked, spyware infections can result in financial loss, blackmail, and even identity theft. In the business world, this malware is often used for corporate espionage. The worst thing? It can be extremely challenging to detect and remove without an advanced antivirus program.

Keep reading to learn what spyware is, how to prevent infections, and what to do if it's already in your system.

What is spyware?

Spyware is malicious software (malware) designed to operate covertly and perform various invasive actions. It can record your keystrokes, log data, intercept communications, redirect your web traffic, and more.

Spyware attacks have one main goal: to steal your sensitive data. The usual targets include your personally identifiable information (PII), login credentials, financial info, browsing history, location data, computer activity, etc. Hackers can employ different methods and tactics, but they're all after the same thing.

One feature that differentiates spyware from other malware is its customizability. Cybercriminals can tailor it to meet their needs, from highly sophisticated single-target strikes to mass-targeted campaigns.

Different types of spyware explained

As mentioned, malicious spyware can take various forms, from a simple keylogger to massive system monitors. It can infect your computer or mobile device, and you'll need top-level anti-spyware software to remove it.

Some of the most common types of spyware include:

• Infostealers simply collect your information and send it to an unauthorized third party. They can cast a wide net for anything of value or search for specific data. These system monitors can scan your messages, files, and browsing history and send data and screen captures to their owners.
• Keyloggers can record and transmit keystrokes from your keyboard (they can cover both physical and software keyboards). A keylogger is a relatively simple spyware program that can cause a lot of damage, especially if it captures your login credentials or financial info.
• Adware is a particularly annoying spyware that serves pop-up ads in search engines and apps that support them. Some adware variations can also monitor your browsing history to personalize your ads.
• Trojans, named after the Trojan horse, are disguised as harmless software until you execute them on your system. If you do, they can perform any number of malicious actions. Removing a Trojan before you execute it is essential for your protection.

How can spyware infect your system?

Spyware can infect your system in a number of ways. A successful installation usually relies on your help or exploits a software vulnerability. We outline some of the most common infection vectors below.

Phishing

Phishing attacks will try to trick you into installing spyware by having you click a malicious link or visit a fake website. Phishers often impersonate well-known companies to build trust with their victims. Learning to recognize phishing messages will help you block these scams.

Software security vulnerabilities

Spyware can exploit outdated software and infect your system without your direct action. You can easily prevent these attacks by keeping your system, programs, and apps up to date.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Criminals can intercept your traffic on unsecured networks and launch anything from Man-in-the-Middle to Evil Twin attacks. Spyware is only one of the nasty surprises they can throw at you in these situations.

Rooting or jailbreaking phones