SPYWARE

 What is spyware?

Spyware although it sounds like a James Bond contraption, it is actually a generic term for malicious software that infects your computer or mobile device and collects information about you, your browsing and your regular Internet use, as well as other data. .

The result is not surprising, since spyware works stealthily by making its way onto your computer without your being aware or allowing it: it attaches itself to your operating system in such a way that its presence on the infected computer is assured. You may have inadvertently allowed spyware to install itself automatically by agreeing to the terms and conditions of a harmless-looking program you downloaded without reading the fine print.

Regardless of how it invades your computer, spyware runs silently in the background, collecting information or monitoring your activity to carry out malicious actions that affect your computer and its use. This includes logging screenshots, keystrokes, authentication credentials, personal email addresses, data from online forms, Internet usage information, and other personal data, such as credit card numbers.

And even if its unwanted presence is exposed, it does not have an easy uninstall function.

How can spyware infect my computer?

Spyware can infect your system in the same way as any other malware:

Vulnerabilities Red Alert: Do not under any circumstances click on an unknown link or suspicious file that has been attached to an email and open an executable file or access an online program that downloads and starts ("runs") an application . What's worse, sometimes just visiting a malicious website and opening a page or ad banner is enough to cause an inadvertent download. Other ways to infect your computer are to click an option in a deceptive pop-up window or share software programs or documents containing hidden spyware, including executable programs, music files, and other documents, with friends. Just one click is enough.

Misleading marketing: It is the strategy of spyware writers to present their spyware programs as highly useful tools that should be downloaded. It can be an Internet accelerator, a new download manager, a hard drive cleaning program, or an alternative web browser. Beware of these "baits" as installing such programs could inadvertently give way to a spyware infection. Furthermore, even if you finally uninstall the "useful" tool responsible for the infection, the spyware persists and continues to work.

Software packages: Who doesn't like free software (free software or freeware)? The only exception, when it comes to a host program hiding a malicious plug-in, extension or plugin. What at first appears a necessary component may actually be spyware, which remains active despite having uninstalled the application that hid it.

Note- Trojans, worms, and backdoors often infect the system with spyware, in addition to carrying out their main malicious purpose.

Mobile device spyware: Mobile spyware has been around since the use of mobile devices became widespread. Because mobile devices are small and users cannot see everything that is running, these actions may inadvertently take place in the background. Installing an application with malicious code infects Mac and Android devices. These programs include authentic applications with malicious code, malicious applications with false names, and applications with false download links. Those responsible for these threats can install them on mobile devices to control their victims without their being aware.

Who do spyware creators attack?

Unlike other types of malware, spyware writers do not target specific individuals or groups, instead spyware attacks often launch a wide web to catch as many victims as possible. That is why no one escapes the interest of spyware creators, since even the smallest data can contribute to obtaining a buyer. For example, spammers buy email addresses and passwords to develop malicious spam or other forms of phishing. Spyware attacks to obtain financial information can empty bank accounts or lead to fraudulent activities through legal accounts.

Information obtained from stolen documents, images, videos or other files can even be used for extortion purposes.

Ultimately, no one is immune from spyware attacks, since those responsible for these attacks do not care about the users they target, but about the information they want to obtain from them.

What to do if computer is attacked?

If the spyware infection meets the goal of its creators, it will remain invisible unless you have the knowledge to know exactly where to look. Your computer could be infected without raising suspicion. However, if you suspect that your system has spyware, the first imperative is to make sure to remove it immediately so as not to jeopardize the new passwords. To do this, purchase a computer antivirus program that ensures maximum protection and has tenacious spyware removal technology to completely remove these infectious artifacts and restore affected files and settings.

After you have cleaned the system, contact your bank to advise of possible fraudulent actions. The law requires in certain cases to notify the authorities about the infractions committed or to make a public statement. These measures will depend on the nature of the compromised information and on whether your system is connected to other computers within a company or institution. If it is personal information or the infringement involves the collection and transmission of images, audio files and videos, it is recommended that you contact your local authorities to report a possible violation of the law.

And last but not least: many providers of phishing protection programs offer services to detect fraudulent transactions or to freeze the credit account in order to avoid any type of activity. There is no question that a credit freeze is a good idea.