Since technology began to establish itself as central to the performance of countless tasks, there has been constant concern about the security of information in the online environment. Although the internet is a fundamental resource in the workplace, privacy is still an extremely sensitive issue, especially regarding the exchange of data and information that occurs through it.
Just as new technologies emerge every day to make our routines easier, there are also various ways to steal this data and control the activities carried out in the digital world. One of these ways is spyware. In the last year, there was a 42% increase in cyberattacks around the world, with spyware being one of the most widely used strategies by cybercriminals.
This is one of the most recurring and oldest threats since the advancement of the internet, being used to infect machines and devices. Its main purpose is to obtain information illegitimately, using this data to carry out other types of scams, such as virus infections, ransomware , data leaks, and many others.
Since there is no predetermined target audience to suffer from this threat, it is very easy to become a victim of this type of strategy. For this reason, numerous resources and tools have been developed to help keep devices secure and contribute to the protection of information stored and handled within the online environment.
But is it possible to protect yourself from spyware? To help you, we've prepared a complete guide with everything you need to know about the risks and damage that this type of virus can cause . This content will also cover smart ways to identify and combat spyware, helping you protect your information and use the internet more safely.
What is spyware?
As the name suggests, spyware refers to a form of spy software that, when installed on a computer, cell phone, or other device, allows cybercriminals to monitor online activities, such as browsing history and personal information entered. This data can be passed on to third parties, facilitating even more harmful scams.
Spyware is generally used to steal passwords, payment information (credit card numbers, security codes, and passwords ), confidential and strategic company data, and much more.
This type of software is one of the most difficult threats to detect, since it is installed without consent and acts silently, without the user noticing any activity. Once installed, this software can perform operations and spy on everything done through the infected device .
One specific type of spyware has become very well-known due to its threat and significant potential for harm: Pegasus. Learn more about this "super spyware":
This virus usually reaches its victims through fake downloads, links, and attachments that can be sent via email, messages, and fake websites, social engineering strategies to deceive victims . Once installed, the spyware can collect information and transmit it according to the criminals' objectives.
In most cases, the focus of this type of threat is on obtaining banking data and personal information for fraudulent purposes. Spyware can also be used by advertising companies that want to obtain realistic information about their potential consumers , and even by governments seeking to obtain data on the digital behavior of users and individuals of interest.
This type of malicious file can be installed on computers, automated machinery, mobile devices, routers, and much more. Spyware installation can be done in various ways, such as through Trojans, installation of free programs, fake emails with corrupted links, misleading advertisements , etc.
The use of unsecured connections, such as Wi-Fi networks available in public places, also facilitates the installation of this type of malware and the perpetration of many other cyberattacks. All a cybercriminal needs is a vulnerability that helps them gain access to networks and devices .
Types of spyware
This digital threat represents a significant danger to users and companies. This is because it can be used to collect and leak strategic and confidential data, which can harm the organization and generate financial losses, as happens in ransomware attacks. With this threat, data is seized by a cybercriminal, who demands a ransom for its return under the threat of leaking projects, strategies, or customer information.
Some versions of this type of virus can track the location of devices, steal documents such as photos and videos, record conversations, monitor social networks , etc., making it necessary to adopt efficient protection measures to avoid this type of problem. Below are some types of spyware that are commonly used today:
Trojan
Also known as a Trojan horse, a Trojan is malware that often disguises itself as a real and legitimate file or program. Spyware is installed without the user's knowledge and allows cybercriminals to infiltrate devices, install files, and steal information .
Adware
This type of spyware is one of the most annoying, yet easiest to identify. This software was created to collect consumer information or to excessively display advertisements that are not desired by the user . In some cases, this spyware can also install viruses and applications that impair the proper functioning of machines.
Tracking cookies
In simple terms, cookies are files that are saved on a device, storing configuration information, access data, and usage patterns. Tracking cookies allow cybercriminals to track a user's online behavior on the internet.
System monitoring
This type of malware monitors activities and sends reports to the attacker. This malicious application can come in the form of a keylogger , which allows it to record the user's keystrokes, access files, and track visited websites. Understand how this strategy works:
In addition to Trojans and phishing scams, spyware can also be installed by exploiting system vulnerabilities , using these access points to install itself and cause various problems for the user.
How does this threat harm your business?
As we have seen, spyware can collect information, monitor digital behavior , and even record data typed on a device. Due to its wide range of functionalities, this type of malware is widely used to steal login credentials, personal information, credit card details, and much more.
Although this feature can be used for control and security by government agencies , most spyware infections are carried out by cybercriminals , who use this type of file to track and restrict activities and collect relevant data about device usage.
Spyware can also be used for remote control of infected devices , capturing information from emails and messaging applications, recording the user's browser history, recording video and audio and taking screenshots, collecting banking information, passwords, and usernames.
From identification to removal
Detecting spyware isn't simple, and for users to get rid of this threat, they need digital security tools and strategies to help keep their devices safer, such as antivirus software, firewalls, and pop-up blockers. In addition, there are some signs that can be noticed when facing an infected computer or device, such as:
- Excessive freezing;
- Slow responses;
- The appearance of pop-ups with unsolicited or unexpected advertising messages;
- Home pages that do not match the user's settings ;
- Faster battery drain (especially in laptops and mobile devices);
- Problems logging into secure pages;
- bandwidth usage or mobile data usage;
- Free software installed that does not function as expected;
- Between others.
Spyware removal, once identified, should be done using security software capable of handling this type of problem, such as antivirus and firewalls. Contrary to popular belief, spyware doesn't always appear as a program or file in the device settings , so the more reliable security tools your device has, the better the protection against this type of threat.
Technology combined with practicality.
Lumiun provides tools and resources focused on security and monitoring of digital behavior. Since the biggest entry point for spyware is vulnerabilities created by the user themselves, having an internet access control tool can help your company maintain security.
Considering that this type of threat can be present on entertainment websites, fake e-commerce pages, and even pornography sites , blocking websites and applications can be a valuable ally for managers who want to more effectively protect their business devices and networks.
In cases where simply having an internet usage policy is not enough to adequately control employees' digital behavior , access management software can make all the difference.
Lumiun offers efficient and effective solutions for this type of demand, with user-friendly dashboards and intelligent, customizable tools for your company . With Lumiun's help, managers can efficiently monitor user behavior, block unauthorized access, and obtain comprehensive reports on internet usage within the business.
Request a free , no-obligation demo and see firsthand how technology can help your business.
Until later!
