Spyware, Spy-der
Spyware does not honor its name as its meant to directly steal your, almost always, financial information.
It operates displaying pop-ups while you are surfing on the web. Some of the spywares are intentionally placed on corporate or public computers to monitor users. In other words, your employer may be using them to track your activities. They can collect data of any kind, such as online browsing habits, passwords, banking information, private files, among others. Scary? Wait to read the next one.
Spyware is a type of malware that tries to stay hidden while secretly recording information and tracking your online activities, both on computers and mobile devices. It can monitor and copy everything you write, upload, download, and store. Some spyware strains are also capable of triggering cameras and microphones to see and hear you without you noticing.
By definition, spyware is designed to be invisible, which can be one of its most damaging attributes: the longer it goes unnoticed, the more damage it can cause.
In simple words it is a virtual stalker using your device as assistant to collect your personal data.
Spyware and viruses are common examples of malicious software (malware), but otherwise they don’t look much alike. They differ in their behavior: A computer virus inserts itself into a host program to copy itself and spread across networks and devices; Spyware is designed to remain hidden on the devices it infects. Spyware can track and record activity on computers and mobile devices. There are strains with specific behaviors; In general, cyberthieves use spyware to collect data and personal information.
Once spyware is on your computer or mobile device, it can perform a disturbing variety of covert operations, including:
Keylogging (record everything you type, such as usernames, passwords, banking information, etc.)
Record audio and video, or take screenshots, control your device. remotely, capture content from email, messaging, and social media apps.
Record and capture your browsing history. Unfortunately, these capabilities have attracted the interest of bullies and partners.
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