Imagine waking up one day to find out that someone has been secretly watching everything you do on your phone or computer.
This could be in form of reading your messages, tracking your location, and even stealing your passwords.
While it may sound strange, the truth is, spyware exactly does this, and it happens more often than you might think.
So, what exactly is it?
Spyware is a type of malicious software (malware) designed to secretly monitor your activities, steal information, or even control your device without your knowledge.
Governments, hackers, and even companies use spyware for various reasons, from cyber espionage to targeted advertising.
In a general term, it is a software program that infiltrates your device be it a smartphone, laptop, or tablet without your permission.
Once installed, it operates silently in the background, collecting information as keystrokes (what you type, including passwords and credit card details) and browsing history (websites you visit).
It collects data about your location. Some advanced spyware can even eavesdrop on your calls or watch through your webcam.
Common types of spyware
There are several types of spyware including keyloggers which record everything you type, including passwords and messages, and adware which tracks your browsing habits to show targeted ads.
Adware is not always malicious but still a privacy risk.
Others are trojans which are disguised as legitimate software but secretly collect data, stalkerware which is often used by abusive partners to track someone’s phone activities and government or corporate spyware, used for surveillance or industrial espionage.
How can you detect spyware?
Spyware is designed to be stealthy, but there are some warning signs that could indicate your device is infected.
They are unusual battery drain meaning spyware is running in the background, consuming more power and sluggish performance.
If your device suddenly slows down, spyware could be eating up resources.
If you experience unexpected pop-ups or redirects to strange websites or see ads you never clicked on it also means you have a spyware.
Unexplained data usage in your device is another indication that spyware secretly sends data to its creator, increasing your internet usage.
If you also witness strange app behavior where the apps keep crashing or behaving oddly, spyware might be interfering.
Another sign is when the microphone or camera light turns on unexpectedly meaning that someone could be watching or listening.
How to protect yourself from spyware
The best way to fight spyware is to prevent it from infecting your device in the first place.
Here’s how:
Be careful with downloads
Only download apps and software from official stores like Google Play or Apple App Store. Avoid downloading cracked or pirated software that often contains spyware.
Keep your operating system and apps regularly updated as such often patch security holes that spyware exploits.
Use security software and install reputable antivirus or anti-spyware programs that scan for and remove spyware.
Be wary of suspicious links and emails since phishing emails and fake websites are common ways spyware gets installed. So, do not click on links or open attachments from unknown sources.
Check App permissions and deny permissions to those that seem suspicious because some apps request unnecessary access to your camera, microphone, or contacts.
You are also advised to enable two-factor Authentication (2FA) even if spyware steals your password, 2FA adds an extra layer of security.
As a last resort, you can factory reset your device if you suspect spyware and nothing else works, backing up your data and doing a full reset can remove the malware.
