What is a common type of spyware?
Spyware is a type of malicious software that is installed on a computer without the user’s knowledge. It is typically used to collect information about the user or to track the user’s online activity. Spyware can be difficult to detect and remove, and it can cause problems with the performance of the computer.
There are many different types of spyware, but some of the most common include adware, keyloggers, and Trojans. Adware is a type of spyware that displays pop-up ads on the user’s screen. Keyloggers track the keys that are pressed on the keyboard, which can be used to collect passwords and other sensitive information. Trojans are a type of spyware that masquerades as a legitimate program, but is actually a malicious program that can install other spyware or viruses on the computer.
Spyware can be installed on a computer in a variety of ways. It can be bundled with other software that is downloaded from the Internet, or it can be installed without the user’s knowledge through security vulnerabilities. Once it is installed, spyware can be difficult to detect and remove.
Many anti-virus programs do not detect spyware, and even if they do, they may not be able to remove it. Spyware removal tools are available, but they can be difficult to use and may not be effective. The best way to protect against spyware is to be careful about what you download and install, and to use a reputable anti-virus program.
How does spyware work?
There are many ways for spyware to get onto your computer. Typically, it is downloaded unwittingly by the computer user from the Internet. It can be installed by an unscrupulous website that takes advantage of security flaws in your Web browser to quietly install itself. It can come bundled as part of another piece of software that you install. Or it can be installed by a Trojan horse program that masquerades as something else.
Once spyware is installed, it is usually designed to run automatically and to hide itself from you. It may add new icons to your desktop, toolbars to your Web browser, and changes to your computer settings. Some spyware programs can even record your keystrokes and track the websites you visit. The purpose of most spyware is to collect information about you and then send that information back to someone else without your knowledge or consent. This information can include the websites you visit, your user names and passwords, your credit card numbers, and other sensitive personal information.
In some cases, spyware can be used to deliver advertising to your computer. Advertising-supported spyware programs display pop-up ads on your computer. They may also slow down your computer and change your home page without your permission.
Spyware can be difficult to remove from your computer. Some spyware programs cannot be removed by ordinary antivirus and antispyware programs. And even when you can remove spyware from your computer, it may have already collected enough information about you to do serious damage.
Visit malwarezero.org to learn more about spyware example. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.
