Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
What is Spyware?
Suppose you notice your system is consuming a lot more internet data than usual, and your device is regularly heating up even though you are not using it. In that case, it is possible that a Spyware program is hidden on your system, which is causing such irregularities.
In this post, we would discuss more on Spyware and how to get rid of it.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is a broad category of malware program that infiltrates the user's system without permission to perform various malicious tasks. As its name suggests, Spyware is basically meant for spying on the users and collect their sensitive information like browsing habit, banking details, credit card details, and more. Cybercriminals can then use that information for hacking, extortions, and more such illicit activities.
Spyware programs are also used for stealing your internet data and remotely taking control of your system. Usually, after entering the device, Spyware works in stealth mode. Therefore, it becomes difficult to detect it. However, there are some indications that can confirm the presence of Spyware on your system.
What are the indications of Spyware infection?
You can recognize the Spyware attack by noticing the following signs:
If your browser is hijacked, i.e., homepage, search engine, etc., are changed on its own without your intervention. Spyware install browser hijacker malware to collect your browsing information like search history, IP addresses, and more.
If you notice your system is consuming unusual internet data without much use, it might be because Spyware is secretly using the data in the background to transfer your data to cybercriminals.
The system gets crashed repeatedly and slowed down frequently without heavy use because of Spyware running in the background.
The CD/DVD case of your system opens up randomly.
You found some mails on your sent folder that you don't remember sending. It might be because a cybercriminal is controlling your system through Spyware.
How Spyware Infiltrate my Device?
Cybercriminals are getting more and more advanced in getting into your system. Here are some of the ways through which Spyware can be introduced into your system:
The most common way is through a bundled program. While installing software, if you ignore to untick the installation of an additional program, you might get a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) on your system. This PUA can be anything like Spyware or any other malware.
Downloading the software from untrustworthy sources in the greed of getting it for free can result in Spyware infiltration.
Clicking on an intriguing pop-up ad without realizing the real intention behind it.
Downloading software, movies, songs, and other things from the torrents can lead to the introduction of dangerous malware programs on the system like Spyware.
How to remove Spyware?
Since Spyware is hidden in the background of the system, it becomes challenging to get rid of it. To remove it, follow these steps:
Open the Device Manager and look at which program or service is unnecessarily taking up the RAM.
Take note of such applications or processes and delete/uninstall them.
Clear your recycle bin and temporary files folder.
For complete removal of Spyware, use a robust antimalware program.
How to prevent Spyware Infiltration?
Spyware can be devastating after entering your system. It is essential to stop them from infiltrating your system. Here are some of the measures you can take.
Keep your Operating System and Software updated. Malware programs like Spyware take advantage of vulnerabilities in the system or software to enter your device. Updating them will fix the vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid downloading software, movies, etc., from unknown, unreliable sources. Never download anything from torrent sites.
While installing any software, ensure that no other unwanted application is getting installed along with the primary one.
Never interact with attractive pop-up and banner ads. They are specially designed to trick users into clicking them so that malware can be downloaded into the system.
Keep installed a robust security solution on your system. A security solution would detect an incoming Spyware and block it before it makes its way into your device.
Manage the permissions you give to your apps. Never provide unnecessary grants to software programs.
280 Views
