A software that is installed on your computerwithout your knowledge or permission is called spyware. A software that is downloaded without your authorization is also considered as a spyware. This topic is controversial since even if it is installed for a seemingly harmless reason, it could violate the privacy of the end user and it can also be abused.
Spyware could be hard to detect; usually, the first sign a user has that his computer has a spyware installed is a significant reduction in the network connection or processor speeds and for mobile devices – a decrease in battery life and data usage. Anti-spyware tools could be used to stop or get rid of spyware. These tools could either offer real time protection by scanning the network data as well as blocking any malicious data, detect and get rid of spyware that is already installed through the execution of scans.
Users can prevent spyware by downloading software that comes from trusted sources, to read all the disclosures upon their installation, and never click on pop up ads as well as remain updated with patches and updates for browser, OS, as well as application software. To lower the possibility of infection, network administrators must practice the principle of least privilege and need remote workers to gain access to the network resources over a VPN or virtual private network.
Types of Spyware
Spyware isn’t just a single type of program. It’s a whole category of malicious software including keystroke, Trojans, loggers, and other programs that steal information.
Adware – this commonly comes with free shareware programs, software, and utilities that are downloaded from the net, or installed on the computer when the user goes to a site that is infected. Several internet users first encountered spyware in 1999 when Elf Bowling came with a tracking software.
Cookies – these track and record the personal information of users as well as their internet browsing habits. They are the most common kind of adware. An advertiser could use cookies to track the web pages that the user often visits so that it could target advertising in a campaign that involves contextual marketing.
Keyboard loggers – it is a kind of system monitor that are usually utilized by cyber criminals to steal PII or personally identifiable information, sensitive enterprise data, and login credentials. Keyloggers can be used by employers to monitor the computer activities of their employees or by parents who wish to supervise the internet usage of their kids.
Trojans – these are malicious programs that appear as legitimate programs. A user who falls victim to a Trojan will have malicious software that poses as a legitimate one. This will allow the Trojan to get access to their computer. The Trojan could then delete the user’s files or encrypt them so they could ask for a ransom.
Mobile Spyware – this is dangerous since it could be transferred using Short Message Services or SMS or MMS Multimedia Messaging Service text messages and doesn’t need user interaction to do the commands. If a tablet or smartphone becomes infected with mobile spyware that was side-loaded using a third-party app, the camera of the phones, as well as microphone could be used to spy on close by activity, browsing activity, record phone calls, as well as keystrokes.
SpartanTec, Inc. can help you protect your computer and network from getting infected with spyware. With our IT consulting services, you no longer have to worry about computer hackers, malware, spyware, or viruses from getting into your network. We offer computer data security as well as virus removal solutions to make sure that your private business information are protected against the various online threats that are out there.
