Spyware is a type of malicious software (malicious program) designed to infiltrate a user's computer system to monitor their activities and collect personal information.
These programs can be installed on devices without user consent and can cause severe damage to privacy and security.
In this article, we explain how spyware infiltrates our devices and what are the signs that indicate their presence.
Next, we'll provide some tips on how to protect our devices from spyware infiltration and learn about the most popular and government spyware.
By reading this article, readers will become more aware of the risks of spyware and what they can do to protect their devices and privacy.
What is spyware?
Spyware is a malicious computer program that infiltrates a user's system and collects personal information without the user's consent. Spyware can infect a device in several ways.
Through programs downloaded from unsafe sources, phishing email attachments, online advertisements etc.
Once spyware is installed on a device, it starts monitoring user activity and collects personal information such as browsing data, social media activity, financial information, and more.
This information is then sent to servers controlled by cybercriminals, where they can use it for identity theft, phishing, and other illegal activities.
Spyware uses sophisticated techniques to infiltrate a user's system and remain hidden, making it difficult to detect and remove.
They may use camouflage techniques to hide their files or processes on users' operating systems, or they may use encryption techniques to protect collected and transmitted information.
Thus, spyware is a specialized form of malware that poses a threat to user security and privacy.
Who are they used by?
As we have seen above, spyware is mainly used by individuals or organizations who try to monitor the activities of a specific user without their consent.
An employer may install spyware on an employee's company computer to monitor the employee's activities. Or a parent could install spyware on a child's computer to monitor their online activity.
These are also commonly referred to as "parental controls".
Spyware can also be used by cybercriminals to steal personal or financial information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, or by government agencies to monitor the activities of criminal suspects or terrorists.
However, using spyware may violate user privacy and constitute a criminal offense under local laws and regulations.
Most Popular Spyware
There is much known spyware in the field of computer security. Some of these are espionage tools provided by public sector attackers:
NSO Group
Gamma International
RayzoneCandiru
FinFisher, to name a few.
Here are some of the more popular spyware that made the headlines:
1. Pegasus : Spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group that infects mobile devices (iOS and Android) and can be used to access user data, text messages, voice conversations, the device's camera and microphone. The software has been used in several countries to monitor activists, journalists and politicians;
2. FinFisher: Commercial spyware developed by the British company Gamma Group and used by governments and intelligence agencies around the world to monitor users' online activities. The software can be used to access users' emails, chat logs, documents, bank details and other sensitive information.
3. Remote Control System (RCS) : Spyware developed by the Italian company Hacking Team that can be used to access user data, chats, emails, text messages, photos, documents and other sensitive information on infected devices. The software has been used by the governments of several countries, but it is also obtained illegally by cybercriminals.
4. DigiTask : Spyware developed by the German company DigiTask for the German police that can be used to access user data, chats, emails, text messages, photos, documents, and other sensitive information on infected devices.
5. XKeyscore : Government monitoring software, developed by the US National Security Agency (NSA), can be used to monitor online activities of users around the world. This software is used to collect information from emails, chats, social media and other websites. The software was disclosed by whistleblower Edward Snowden in the Datagate scandal.
It's important to note that there are tons of other types of spyware, so the above list is only a brief overview of the more well-known ones.
How do spyware infections happen?
Spyware infections occur when malware is installed on a device without the user's consent. Spyware can be installed on a device in a number of ways.
They can be found in phishing email attachments, in software downloaded from untrusted or malware-infected websites, or in files shared over peer-to-peer networks.
After the software is installed, it may start collecting device and user information.
It can monitor your internet browsing activity, collect information about your login credentials, record text or voice conversations, access your device's camera or microphone, or install other malicious software on your device.
In some cases, more sophisticated and dire spyware can be particularly advanced and difficult to detect.
They may use rootkit techniques to hide themselves from detection by security tools, or they may use zero-click exploits to infect devices without any user interaction, such as whatsapp voice calls that are not answered (as in the case of Pegasus).
How do you know you've been infected with spyware?
Spyware is difficult to spot because it is designed to operate in a stealthy manner.
However, there are some warning signs that may indicate spyware on your device:
1. Slow device performance: Spyware running in the background can cause your device to slow down, freeze, or crash.
2. Increased network traffic: Spyware that broadcasts information about your activities can increase your device's network traffic.
3. Unexpected pop-ups or messages: Spyware can generate unexpected pop-ups or messages on your device.
4. Change device settings: Spyware can change device settings, such as turning off antivirus software or firewalls.
5. Unexpected battery usage: Spyware running continuously in the background can cause your device's battery to drain quickly.
Government Spyware Phenomenon
Government spyware is surveillance software developed by governments or intelligence agencies to monitor users' online activities.
These programs can be used to collect personal information, monitor internet browsing, record text or voice conversations, and even control a user's device's camera and microphone.
Historically, this type of malware has been of high media importance due to its ubiquity and ability to indiscriminately access and track user devices.
That's why this technology, even if it's usually used for a specific purpose (such as fighting terrorism or preventing computer crime), can sometimes be used inappropriately.
This has led to concerns about the misuse of these technologies and the violation of users' privacy.
How to protect yourself from spyware?
To protect your device from spyware infections, it is important to take precautions. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from spyware:
1. Use antivirus software: Good antivirus software can detect and remove spyware from your system.
2. Update your software regularly: Spyware can exploit software vulnerabilities to infiltrate your system. Therefore, it is important to keep your software up to date with the latest security updates.
3. Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Spyware is often spread via malicious links or email attachments. Therefore, it is very important to avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown senders.
4. Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN protects your Internet connection from prying eyes and encrypts your data to prevent spyware from collecting it.
5. Use strong passwords: Weak passwords can be easily guessed by spyware. Therefore, it is important to use strong passwords and change them regularly.
6. Turn off unnecessary functions: Certain system functions, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, may be exploited by spyware to infiltrate your system. So be sure to disable unnecessary features if you don't use them.
7. Be cautious on the Internet: Lastly, it is important to always be cautious on the Internet and limit access to questionable websites or illegal content. This helps prevent spyware from infiltrating your system and still improves overall security.