Spyware Definition
Spyware is a type of malware that covertly infects a computer or mobile device and collects sensitive information like passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), and payment information. The information is then sent to advertisers, data collection firms, or malicious third parties for a profit.
Spyware is one of the most common threats on the internet. It was more commonly installed in Windows desktop browsers, but has evolved to operate on Apple computers and mobile phones as well. Mobile spyware attacks have become much more common and advanced as people rely on their phones to conduct banking activities and access other sensitive information. However, not all software that tracks online activity is malicious. For example, some website tracking cookies can serve as a legitimate function to customize a user’s website experience by remembering login information.
Anyone can be a target of spyware. Authors of spyware do not typically target a specific person like a spear phishing attack would. Spyware authors prioritize the information they can gather rather than who it is from, so spyware attacks try to collect as many victims as possible. Since spyware typically runs in the background of the operating system, it is difficult to detect and even harder to mitigate without advanced security tools and solutions.
How to Protect Against Spyware
Because any user’s device may become vulnerable to spyware, it is important to understand how to protect oneself against spyware. The first line of defense is to prevent spyware from being installed onto your device, and this can be achieved by being cautious of your own behavior while online.
- Use reputable antivirus software with spyware protection, preferably a cloud-native security solution.
- Use a pop-up blocker or avoid clicking pop-up ads.
- Keep your computer or mobile operating systems updated.
- Never open unsolicited or suspicious email attachments from unverified senders.
- Don’t click links in text messages from unknown senders.
- Be cautious about consenting to website cookies.
- Be wary of free software and make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions.
- Put a screen lock on your smartphone and use strong passwords on all devices
- Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi or use a VPN
- Look carefully at the permissions you grant apps when you install them
How to Remove Spyware
Removing Spyware From Your Computer
If you notice signs of a spyware infection on your desktop or laptop computer, take these steps to remove it:
- Download and run a virus removal tool. Make sure the antivirus software is advanced so it can scan for all kinds of threats.
- Once the system is cleared, consider contacting your financial institutions to inform them about possible fraudulent activity.
- If any stolen information is sensitive then you may want to contact local law-enforcement authorities to report potential violations of federal and state laws.
- Once you’ve cleaned your system, consider downloading anti-spyware tools to further protect your devices from spyware in the future.
Removing Spyware From Your Mobile Phone
If you notice signs of a spyware infection on your mobile device, take these steps to remove it:
- Uninstall apps you don’t recognize. Go to your phone’s settings, click on “Apps,” and uninstall any suspicious apps.
- Run an antivirus or malware scan: You may have an app that came installed with your phone, or you may need to download and install a reputable app from the official app store for your device.
- If the steps above do not solve the issue, you can back up your data then factory reset your phone. Data can be uploaded onto Google or iTunes/iCloud so you’ll be able to restore all your data to your freshly cleaned phone after resetting it. A factory reset removes all data and downloaded programs from the device and leaves it in its original ‘factory’ state.
- Run a second antivirus or malware scan after you reinstall your data. Sometimes the first scan does not completely remove spyware.