What is Spyware?
Spyware is a malicious program which is placed on a user’s computer to track their day-to-day activities.
It’s an innocuous program; initially, it won’t make any noticeable changes to the victim’s computer but would frequently monitor and record every activity of the user and would constantly transfer the recorded data to its developers.
Spyware being a malware was initially designed to steal personal details like user id and password, credit card details and many more confidential files from user’s computer without their knowledge. But, now it can also authorize the installation of other malware acting as a backdoor to them.
Targeted browsers:
- Google chrome
- Internet explorer
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
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How does spyware infect a computer?
- Spyware evades a systems firewall by exploiting its vulnerability.
- Unlike other malware spyware doesn’t make copy of itself. This strategy helps it to stay hidden from the user.
- It can come bundled with any free program that the user might have downloaded from a third-party or untrusted website, installing itself without the user’s knowledge.
- Other common techniques used by spyware is through trojans or through browser hijacking via adware, when the browser is infected with these hijackers or ad-on extensions, it will redirect the web browser to a website which could be infected with a malware which would later make way for such malwares to infect the computer.
- Spyware could also infect the computer through hard drives or any portable media while trying to install a program.
- Older version of windows or legacy products are the easiest targets, as their security is outdated and can be very easily breached.
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How do I know if my Pc is infected?
- Unwanted advertisement pop-ups show up on screen out of nowhere, which would either ask to install a program or would give a fake security warning or taking you to full screen forcing you to install the third-party application which would be infected with the malware or which would make path for other malwares to get into the system
- Continuous degraded performance of the computer, programs would take longer time to run than usual, games would have recognizable glitches.
- Spyware never works alone it would run with multiple infection at a time which would create random icons on the background.
- Keyloggers: keyloggers are created through spyware which would record all the keys tabbed by the user on the keyboard, they are also capable of recording the and send them constantly to the creators.
- Access to security related websites are restricted.
- Default search engine, default settings of the web browser is changed.
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool