What is spyware?
10th February 2025
86% of adults either only know spyware by name or were completely unaware of it* – just how stealthy is this form of malware?
Do you ever feel like someone is watching you? Looking over your shoulder? Trying to steal your secrets? While you’re unlikely to be drawn into a spy conspiracy akin to what we see in fiction, the threat spyware poses to your data is very real and potentially devastating.
Spyware is a form of malware that monitors and collects information on a user without their consent, all while being undetected. It tracks data including keystrokes, browsing habits and personal information (passwords and financial details). Certain spyware can even take control of your device’s camera or microphone.*2
Just like other forms of malware, spyware can be obtained via malicious email attachments, infected websites or downloaded within legitimate software. Unlike other malware you may not notice the effects immediately, if at all.
How can you spot spyware? Here are a few things to watch out for:
· Unusual device behaviour: if you experience frequent crashes or unexpected pop-ups you may be infected.
· High data usage: a spike can indicate that data is being sent from your device by spyware.
· Battery drain: by running in the background, it may cause your device to lose power faster.
· Suspicious apps: check for unfamiliar apps you don’t remember installing.
· Browser changes: a new homepage or search engine may indicate spyware.
To avoid being impacted by spyware it is a good idea to run frequent antivirus scans, check app permissions to ensure they can’t breach your system and update your software to keep ahead of bad actors. As a last resort, you can back up your data and perform a factory reset to remove any persistent spyware.
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*https://vpncentral.com/spyware-statistics/
*2https://www.comparitech.com/antivirus/how-to-check-for-spyware/