Spyware is a type of malicious software or malware that is installed on a computing device without the users knowledge or consent. It is designed to gather sensitive information about the user and send it to third parties, such as advertisers, data firms, or external users, without the users consent. Spyware can collect almost any type of data, including personal information like internet surfing habits, user logins, and bank or credit account information. Spyware can also interfere with a users device and network performance, slowing down daily user activities. Spyware can make its way onto a device without the users knowledge via an app install package, file attachment, or malicious website. Some examples of spyware include adware, infostealers, keyloggers, rootkits, system monitors, tracking cookies, and Trojans. To protect against spyware, users can install advanced internet security software and anti-malware software.