// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malicious software that secretly installs itself on a computer or mobile device to spy on you. It gathers personal information, tracks your online activities, and sends this data to a third party without your consent.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Spyware is a category of malicious software (malware) designed for covert surveillance of a target system, surreptitiously monitoring user activity and collecting sensitive information such as login credentials, keystrokes (keylogging), browsing history, and personally identifiable information (PII) for exfiltration to a remote attacker.
BACKGROUND
Computer security is a subdiscipline within the field of information security. It focuses on protecting computer software, systems, and networks from threats that can lead to unauthorized information disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or data, as well as to the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- snoopware
- stalkerware
- keylogger
- adware
- monitoring software
- infostealer
USAGE NOTE
Spyware is often bundled with legitimate-looking freeware or delivered via phishing, making its installation unintentional by the user.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Spyware.
An Israeli technology firm known for its proprietary spyware, Pegasus, which is capable of remote zero-click surveillance of smartphones. It is licensed exclusively to government agencies for intelligence and law enforcement.
A consortium of surveillance companies that markets and sells spyware and other interception tools, including the Predator spyware, to state actors worldwide.
An American internet security company that specializes in software that finds and removes malware and spyware. Its products are designed to protect computers, smartphones, and networks from such threats.
A multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider. Its Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) is renowned for discovering and analyzing sophisticated spyware and cyber-espionage campaigns.
An interdisciplinary laboratory at the University of Toronto that researches and documents the use of commercial spyware against civil society. Their technical investigations often provide the first public evidence of new spyware variants and campaigns.
A mobile security company that provides endpoint protection for iOS, Android, and ChromeOS devices. The company's research team has been instrumental in identifying and analyzing sophisticated mobile spyware.
An Italian company, the successor to Hacking Team, that develops and sells intrusive surveillance technology and remote control systems to law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
A technical investigation team within the human rights organization that develops forensic methodologies and conducts deep technical analysis to expose the use of spyware against journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.