Spyware is a type of malicious software that enters a users computer without their consent, gathers data from the device and user, and sends it to third parties. It is designed to access and damage a device without the users consent, and collects personal and sensitive information that it sends to advertisers, data collection firms, or malicious actors for a profit. Spyware is one of the most commonly used cyberattack methods that can be difficult for users and businesses to identify and can do serious harm to networks. Some key features of spyware include:

• Installation: Spyware is installed on a computing device without the end users knowledge or permission.

• Data Collection: Spyware collects personal and sensitive information that it sends to advertisers, data collection firms, or malicious actors for a profit.

• Invasion of Privacy: Spyware can violate the end users privacy and has the potential to be abused.

• Symptoms: Symptoms of spyware on a computer include endless pop-up windows, redirection to web sites other than the one typed into the browser, new unexpected toolbars or icons, changes to the browsers home page or search engine, and random Windows error messages.

Spyware can enter a computer through various methods such as phishing, downloading free or shared wares, or through a trojan included with a legitimate program. It can also make its way onto a device without the end users knowledge via an app install package, file attachment, or malicious website. To avoid spyware, it is best practice to be cautious of the sites that are used for downloading content on the system.