A Brief Guide to the Different Types of Spyware
Reading Time: 4 minutesFeel like you’re being watched? Spyware could be operating on your device. The first line of defense is knowledge, so here’s what you need to know.
Spyware is malicious software designed to monitor your activities on a computer or phone without your consent. Such unhindered access to your data is a truly troubling thoughts.
But by understanding the various forms of spyware, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself against these threats. So how can you identify spyware? What types of spyware are there?
Is Your Device Infected by Spyware?
Spyware can harm you by violating your privacy or jeopardizing the security of your device. Spyware may be present in legitimate software and on websites in the form of web tracking.
These behaviors are so common that it may be challenging to identify spyware on your device. Different types of spyware are identified differently too; for example, keyloggers are distinctive compared to adware. Generally, slow performance of your device, pop-ups, unusual network activity, and new items in your toolbar indicate the presence of spyware.
What Are the Different Types of Spyware?
Spyware can attack our personal computers and devices in several ways. Here are the common ways spyware threats are classified.
1. Adware
Sometimes, spyware may present itself as adware. Adware is software that displays unwanted advertising on your device, and on websites and apps. It is common for legitimate apps and websites to use adware to display their products and services.
Spyware and other malicious programs may be hidden in adware. It displays deceptive ads and links that open up new browser tabs, full banner ads, and multiple pop-up windows.
Adware at its best is frustrating and creates a painful browsing experience, but at its worst can capitalize on loopholes in your operating system and can compromise the wider security of your device. Typically, within web browsers, adware generates revenue for its developers by automatically generating ads on your screen. Adware is typically easy to spot because the advertisements can be so overwhelming. That’s not always the case, but is a good rule to keep in mind.
2. Cookie Trackers
Cookies are used by websites, browsers, and businesses to track your online behavior. They collect data like clicks, websites you visit, search history, product preferences, and location. This data is used to gather user analytics and improve targeted advertising based on your preferences.
While website trackers and cookies raise some concerns about privacy and security, they are not directly regarded as spyware. Website tracking cookies cannot be activated without your permission, and you can delete these cookies from your browser.
But spyware can be disguised as tracking cookies and embedded on your web browser without your consent. In this case, you can’t choose the information that the cookie can track, and your confidential information is collected for a more devious purpose. Information like usernames and passwords, emails, and credit card details are all at risk of cybercriminals.
3. Trojans
Trojans or Trojan horse spyware should not be mistaken for the Trojan virus. Although both are spyware, viruses will multiply on your computer, while the Trojan virus is incapable of that. Trojan spyware will disguise itself as a legitimate application or program that can convince you to click and load it on your device. Unfortunately, once you install and run this malware on your machine, it begins to function for the purpose it was really created for.
Trojan spyware is designed to disrupt your computer and networks, and steal confidential information from your devices. They can be disguised as legitimate programs, apps, or through phishing, i.e. malicious links in emails and websites. Adware is one of the easiest ways that hackers trick users into falling into the Trojan spyware scam.
4. Rootkits
A rootkit is another type of spyware that hackers use to gain access to your device or computer network. They disguise themselves as regular files and this makes it difficult to detect them. Rootkits attack your system files and installed applications to steal your identity and control your computer networks remotely in the role of an administrator. That might mean hackers have free rein over your computer. Some other types of rootkit will attack the architecture and firmware of your device.
A rootkit allows cybercriminals to steal sensitive information saved on your computer too. They also open a gateway for other malicious software to be installed on your system, including another form of spyware.
5. Web Beacons
Web beacons are often used together with tracking cookies and delivered through a browser or emails. They are also called web bugs, pixel tags, or clear GIFs, and they come in form of a one-pixel transparent image.
Web beacons work by creating a profile of your online activity to register when you visit a particular web page, read a particular email, or download a file. They are used legitimately for online marketing in download tracking and ad campaigns but can also be used as spyware to spy on your online activities.
Web beacons remain invisible to you as the end user, but a legal provider issues a notice while cyber criminals conceal themselves in files and emails without your consent.
How to Get Rid of Spyware
Spyware can be tough to get rid of. However, in most cases, you can get rid of spyware by using a dependable antivirus suite to scan your device and delete as many malicious files and system programs as you can find. You’ll likely need to put your system in Safe Mode first, though. Because spyware disguises itself, it may be difficult to identify on your laptop, phone, or PC.
Your Privacy Matters
Each of the spyware categories has a different motive and method for spying. Not all are malicious, per se, but you should feel uneasy about any service tracking you at all. Understanding each class of spyware is essential to protect your device from unwanted surveillance by cybercriminals.
Your privacy matters, so you should take steps to keep your data away from prying eyes, like regularly updating your software (including operating system), using an antivirus, and being extra vigilant while using the internet.
Reference: https://www.makeuseof.com/brief-guide-types-spyware/
Ref: makeuseof
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