What do you know about SPYWARE?

Hi there!?

I was reading up some dry jokes and I came across one that said,??

“Why did the spy spend all day in bed?”?

“Because they were working undercover!” Lol?

It got me thinking, what would it feel like to find out someone has been watching your actions round the clock without you noticing? Terrifying right? That is what happens when you have Spyware installed. If you missed my last letter about ransomware, read up here. Now back to the gist, what is there to know about this malware called SPYWARE.?

Spyware is malicious software that infects computers and other internet-connected devices and secretly records your browsing habits, the websites you visit, and your online purchases. Some types of spyware also record your passwords, login credentials, and credit/debit card details. This information is then forwarded to the spyware author, who can either use it for their gain or sell it to a third party. Simply put any piece of malicious software that infects your computer and spies on your data is Spyware.?

Spyware diligently camouflages, tracks and records activities occurring on the device and shares this information with the attacker. When you’re successfully attacked by Spyware, the attacker can access all your personal data and information.??

Like all other types of malicious software, spyware is installed on your computer without your consent. It is usually bundled with legitimate software that you have intentionally downloaded (like file-sharing programs and other freeware or shareware applications), but you can also unwittingly download it by visiting malicious websites or clicking on links and attachments in infected emails. As soon as you install it, spyware will attach itself to your operating system and start running quietly in the background.?

With new forms of malicious software being released every few seconds, no one is safe from spyware. Even the companies you trust use spyware to track your behaviour, which you have allowed them to do when you accepted their End User License Agreement. There are 5 popular types of Spyware:?

1. Info stealers – these are programs that can scan infected computers and steal a variety of personal information.?
2. Password stealers – they are specially designed to steal login credentials from infected devices.?
3. Keyloggers – these are spyware programs that record the keystrokes typed on a keyboard connected to an infected computer.?
4. Banker Trojans – these are programs that are designed to access and record sensitive information that is either stored on or processed through online banking systems.?
5. Modem Hijackers – when infected, they take control of your dial up modem and use up your data or modem bundles.?

So how do you stay protected from Spyware? Here are some helpful tips.?

• Use Anti-spyware software- Software is the front-line between you and an attacker. There are various types of anti-virus software available to fit your budget and needs.?
• Update your device(s) regularly- Make sure you update your browser and device often. There may be a bug that leaves your device open to spyware that only a current update may fix.?
• Pay attention to your downloads - Be careful when downloading content from file sharing websites. Spyware and malware often hide inside these downloads.?
• Avoid pop-ups – As tantalizing as they might be, don't select pop-ups that appear on your screen. You can also install a pop-up blocker and never deal with them?
• Watch your email activity - Don't download documents from emails you don't recognize. Better yet, don't open the emails at all. Delete them.?

Side Gists?

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It is always fun writing to you and I look forward to doing it again next week as we discuss Trojans.??

Till then, stay well and remain cyber safe! ????

Yours truly,?

Bolatito?