When you hear the term spyware, think of a “spy”, because that is what spywares are. They are a special set of “malware” (malicious software) that hides in your systems, tracking your whereabouts and stealing any and all sorts of information about yourself, without you having a clue.
Sounds like an obsessed ex-partner? Well, there is no limitation as to who uses spyware. From the highest of intelligence agencies to well... your ex.
Spyware collects information such as passwords for your accounts, credit card numbers and your personal information resulting in identity theft, and fraud. Marketers also buy information regarding your online activities. That way, they know your interest and utilize this information to try to get you to buy products and services.
Spyware slow your system performance or lock up the system entirely. It can hijack your browser start page, causing it to be set to some site you never wanted (usually pornographic); add a toolbar to Internet Explorer, usually full of spyware and viruses; cause frequent Windows Explorer & Internet Explorer crashes; launch popup ads (again, usually pornographic); install a great deal of adware and trojan software without your consent; track site visits and report them back to some other site; and can even prevent access to sites, including anti-spyware sites and common search sites such as Google, and Yahoo.
According to Josh Zelonis, a senior analyst with market research company Forrester Research, "Spyware is and will always be a popular method of collecting private information." He further describes this practice as “an incredibly broad problem that impacts everyone potentially."
A recent report from security software maker Malwarebytes, shows that malware seem to be on a rise. “Consumer spyware detections increased 27 percent from 2017 to 2018. Business detections increased even more: 142 percent over the same period.”:
Spywares can get hooked on your system using:
- Browser pop-ups – that “free” gift that’s being offered may not really be the gift you want.
- Email – attachments: If email address is unknown to you and is in the spam box, it’s a good idea to leave it there.
- Downloads – like that download prompt you saw about downloading a useful toolbar, it’s possibly infected with some worm or virus waiting to get your information.
Like in everything else, safety measures can also be taken to keep spyware out of your space.
- Download and Install Anti-Spyware Software
- Be Cautious When Web Surfing
- Lookout For Pop-Ups
- Keep Current with Operating System Updates
- Apply Patches to Software Installed on Your Computer
- Enable Your Firewall
Tackling spyware can seem a bit daunting. But that’s why there are experts on the topic who can help you ensure you have all of these safety measures (and more) in place to protect your devices and data.
