What is Spyware? Definition and Examples

Spyware: it’s a word with sinister overtones. You may have guessed that it refers to malicious software that covertly gathers information, making it available to third parties. However, it takes on many shapes and forms, so pinning down a technically precise definition of what spyware is can be more difficult than it seems on the surface. 

The truth is that even legitimate software can have elements of spyware – one more reason to be very careful about the software you install and use. However, it would be safe to say that in most contexts, the term “spyware” is valid when:

• It is created and disseminated with malicious intent
• It is downloaded without direct consent
• It gathers and disseminates data without user consent

What Does Spyware Do?

Spyware is not a threat to be taken lightly. A look at the things that various types of spyware can do paints a chilling picture of invasion of privacy and the harm that might flow from that. Information gathered can include:

• Login credentials
• Sensitive information like personal particulars and banking information
• People’s locations
• Emails and text messages
• Recordings of voice calls 

What Types of Spyware Are There?

Keyloggers

Keyloggers can be very difficult to detect. They track keystrokes on a device and send the information to an external server. Using this record, bad actors can steal passwords, credit card information, or eavesdrop on sensitive text communications. In short, if you type it, keyloggers can “see” it.

Adware

Adware causes advertising to be displayed. It isn’t always malicious, but it can be. For example, malicious adware can redirect your browser to unsafe sites or open a route to install other, even more damaging types of malware. 

Trojans

Trojans are a form of malware that hide themselves in legitimate-seeming apps or files. They can have various functions including acting as spyware. Users unwittingly install trojans when downloading content – even email attachments – or when they install infected, often “free” or third-party software. 

Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers redirect your browser – but they can also contain keystroke loggers, so certain browser hijackers meet the spyware definition. 

Rootkits

Imagine the damage that can be done if someone is able to take remote control of devices. That’s what rootkits allow hackers to do. Naturally, sensitive information is among the first things to be targeted and misappropriated. 

Web beacons

Also known as “pixel tags,” web beacons are tiny, transparent images that are used to register specific user activity. Sometimes, they’re perfectly legitimate, and they’re often used to evaluate marketing campaigns. However, illegitimate web beacons can be used to create user activity profiles without permission.

Password theft software

Instead of logging keystrokes, password theft software operates by collecting system data, looks at associated users, and accesses server logs. It gathers credentials, passwords, and personal identity information and may even install additional malware. 

Tracking cookies

When you visit legitimate websites, they offer options on whether you want to allow some, all, or no cookies. Most of these cookies are benign. However, a malicious website can install cookies without your permission, allowing your online activity to be monitored.

Mobile stalkerware

This form of malware can gather wide-ranging information from your mobile phone. It can determine your physical location and track a variety of phone-based activities. Among the worst case scenarios, it can even activate a webcam or microphone or record phone conversations, allowing the operator to eavesdrop. 

Spyware Examples

Data breaches are often in the news, and the details on how attackers gained access to it are often not given. However, spyware is often involved in these attacks. For example, we know that banks are often targeted and must continually be on the alert for spyware attacks. 

Frequently in the news, state sponsored spyware is a much-publicised form of spyware. It’s sometimes used to track down criminals, but has also been implicated in political espionage. 

An April 2024 alert sent out by Apple warned phone users in 92 countries of a mercenary spyware attack targeting specific users. Disturbingly, the company observed: “This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do.” Apple did not know the source of the spyware at the time, but has previously sued an Israeli company known for its development of spyware used in attacks on iPhone users. 

Many clearly identifiable examples of spyware may seem “old,” because once spyware can be identified properly, it can be countered. This would reduce vulnerability – as long as users update their devices and software frequently and take steps to avoid inadvertently downloading trojan spyware. 

More worryingly, new spyware is continually being developed, and the risks that go with this should never be underestimated.

How to Prevent or Remove Spyware

Advanced Cyber Security Measures

Stringent cyber security measures, including the use of anti-spyware software, can go a long way towards keeping your organisation’s data safe. However, so-called “free” or cheap anti-spyware software should not be trusted. It may install spyware onto your devices, be ineffective, or it may simply be an outright scam. 

Even otherwise-effective and reputable anti-spyware or antivirus software may find it difficult to detect spyware. However, systems can be monitored for unusual activity. For example, unusual logins or suspicious data transfer activity might indicate attempts at data theft. 

The more important data-protection and privacy are to you and your organisation, the greater the need for advanced software and a close relationship with cyber security professionals. 

Education

When people know where threats may be lurking and know how to make the right decisions, they can often stop cyberattacks in their tracks. Education is therefore a vitally important element in preventing spyware attacks. Where are your vulnerabilities? Simulations can help to pick them up – and education is often key to addressing any chinks in the armour that protects your organisation from bad actors. Advantex offers a human risk management solution that assesses, boosts and monitors ongoing employee cyber security behaviour.

Removing Spyware

While it’s possible to remove spyware, its source may be unclear. For example, a downloader trojan may have installed it. So, apart from removing spyware after an infection, you also need to know how it came to be there in the first place. This will help to safeguard you against future attacks. 

If your organisation is concerned about cybersecurity, partnering with experts is the best way to eliminate vulnerabilities. Talk to Advantex today. Our clients include local authorities, schools, and businesses. Thanks to our suite of cybersecurity services, they enjoy advanced protection and cutting-edge data security. Contact us for more information or to sign up for our free trial and discover peace of mind with Advantex.