Spyware

“ A suite of malicious software that enters a user's computer and gathers data from the device and user without their consent. Different spyware applications can gather things like screenshots, keystrokes, webcam images/video, and more. ”

So how does spyware find its way onto someone’s device? In most cases, the infection begins when a user unknowingly downloads it. That might happen by opening a suspicious attachment, installing a “free” software bundle, or clicking a malicious ad that promises a discount or prize. Other times, attackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or use social engineering to trick people into granting permissions they shouldn’t.¹ Once installed, spyware disguises itself as something harmless (a browser extension, performance booster, or even part of a legitimate app) so that it goes unnoticed for as long as possible.

One of the most common kinds of spyware is the keylogger, a program that silently records every key you press. That means usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and even private conversations can all be captured and sent to a remote attacker. Keyloggers are frequently used in credential theft operations, where cybercriminals collect login data from hundreds or thousands of infected computers, then sell the information on the dark web. Some sophisticated keyloggers can even detect when you’re typing into specific fields, like online banking forms, to capture only high value information.

Another troubling form is stalkerware, a type of spyware frequently used for personal surveillance. Stalkerware apps are designed to be installed secretly on someone’s phone or computer, allowing the perpetrator to track location, read messages, listen through the microphone, and view photos. In recent years, anti-abuse organizations have raised alarms about stalkerware being used in cases of domestic violence or coercive control.² These programs blur the line between cybercrime and real world safety issues, using digital tools for harassment and abuse.

Then there’s adware, a milder but still invasive relative of spyware. Adware bombards users with popups, redirects search results, and tracks browsing habits to deliver targeted advertisements. While some adware is just annoying, others collect large amounts of personal data, which can be sold to advertisers or used in identity theft schemes. Over time, adware can slow down a system, drain bandwidth, and expose users to further infections if the ads link to malicious websites.

A more advanced form, Remote Access Trojans (RATs), gives attackers complete control over a victim’s machine. Once inside, a hacker can browse files, install other malware, steal documents, or even watch through the webcam, all without the user’s knowledge. RATs are often used in corporate espionage or targeted attacks against high value individuals. In one well known case, an attacker used a RAT disguised as a photo album sent through email, which allowed them to infiltrate a company’s network and steal confidential project data worth millions.

Imagine sitting at your computer, paying bills or chatting with friends, unaware that someone is quietly watching every move you make. You open your email, log in to your bank, type a few passwords… and somewhere in the background, invisible software records it all. That’s the unsettling reality of spyware, a digital spy that hides on your device and secretly gathers information without your consent.

Spyware is one of the most deceptive forms of malware because it rarely calls attention to itself. Unlike a virus that crashes your system or a ransomware attack that announces its presence, spyware lurks quietly, blending in with normal processes. It might record keystrokes, capture screenshots, monitor browsing history, or even activate microphones and cameras. Its goal is simple: to collect information - whether that’s personal data, financial credentials, or business secrets - and send it back to whoever planted it.

Real world spyware attacks aren’t limited to individuals. In 2021, reports revealed the use of Pegasus, an extremely sophisticated spyware tool developed by the NSO Group. Pegasus was capable of infecting phones through a simple missed call or message, no clicks required. Once installed, it could access texts, emails, GPS data, and even encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal.³ While marketed to governments for counterterrorism, it was allegedly used to spy on journalists, activists, and world leaders. The Pegasus case showed how spyware can evolve from a petty criminal tool into a powerful weapon of surveillance and control.

For everyday users, the signs of spyware infection are often subtle: slow performance, unexplained data use, battery drain, or strange new icons. But behind those small annoyances can lie major risks. Passwords may be harvested, accounts compromised, and personal data sold to cybercriminals who specialize in identity theft. Some spyware even alters browser settings or redirects traffic to capture more information, creating a chain reaction of exposure.

Defending against spyware requires a mix of technical tools and smart habits. Installing reputable antimalware software is a good start, but awareness is equally important. Avoid downloading unknown apps, especially from unofficial sources. Don’t click on links in suspicious messages or popup ads. Keep your operating system and software updated to close security gaps. And always review app permissions. A flashlight app, for example, shouldn’t need access to your microphone or contacts.

If spyware is suspected, disconnect from the internet immediately, run a full system scan, and change passwords from a clean device. When in doubt, seek help from a trusted professional or support organization, especially in cases involving stalkerware or privacy abuse. Spyware thrives on secrecy, but good security habits and awareness can strip it of its power. Every user who learns to spot the warning signs makes the internet a little safer for everyone.

¹ “Spyware”, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, October 2008
² “Stalkerware: What To Know”, Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, November 2023
³ “A Comprehensive Analysis of Pegasus Spyware and Its Implications for Digital Privacy and Security”, Kareem, K, December 2024