Virus has existed almost since the computer existed, and we have somehow gotten used to dealing with it. We are also able to detect known malware in a way. Now, spyware, which we can call much more malicious software, has emerged. Spyware is also a type of malware, but when you hear what this disease does, you will feel sorry for the malware trying to do something quietly in the background.
Spyware can infiltrate all devices such as computers, phones, tablets. Moreover, most of the time we do this infiltration by confirming it ourselves. When spyware infiltrates your device, you can reach everything you can think of – and unfortunately, most of the time, you don’t realize it until you get into trouble. Let’s take a closer look at what our digital scourge is, spyware, what it does and how it is detected.
What is spyware?
Spyware; It is a kind of malware that infiltrates devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones without the knowledge of users, collects data without the user’s consent and sells the collected data to third parties. Spyware is considered one of the biggest cyber threats in today’s world.
Spyware is not a virus. Viruses try to spread inside the device, spyware only needs to enter the device once. Unlike most malware, spyware can access users’ much more confidential and important data. Theft of such important data means that users have problems not only in their digital life, but also in their real life.
What does spyware do?
Spyware often comes hidden in bundled software. When the user approves the software installation, they also unknowingly approve the spyware. You can approve the installation of spyware with a single clause in the user agreements, which we never read and immediately approve.
The working principle of spyware consists of three basic steps; infiltration, data collection and sending of data. Infiltrating your device somehow, spyware collects all your data, down to screenshots, and then sends this data to the owner of the software. Who knows what he will do now. Some of the data that spyware can reach are as follows;
- Login information
- Usernames and passwords
- PIN codes
- Credit and debit card numbers
- Keyboard strokes
- Browsing habits
- Email addresses
- End-to-end encrypted messages
- Screenshots
Spyware types:
- ‘Trojan horse’ spyware infiltrating your device by hiding in a software package
- ‘Adware’ spyware that sells your data to advertisers and displays deceptive ads
- ‘Browsing-tracking’ spyware that infiltrates websites and tracks your online habits
- ‘Keylogger’ spyware that monitors screenshots, keystrokes, websites visited and saved emails
It is possible to divide spyware types into these four basic categories in general. But a spyware can be much more complex than these types. There may be spyware that does not belong to any of these types, as well as spyware that will be considered under many different types.
What problems does spyware cause?
We said that spyware can steal your much more confidential and important data. This means much more than losing your social media account. Due to data theft and identity fraud, your bank accounts can be emptied, your credit card can be spent up to its limit, credit can be taken on your behalf, people you know can be defrauded using your name, and more.
Considering all this, it may sound a little lighthearted, but spyware can also cause device damage. Spyware running continuously in the background reduces device performance, removes firewalls and exposes the device to dangers, and may cause permanent damage to your device as a result of overheating and similar situations.
Some spyware redirects users to deceptive advertisements and websites. No matter what you type into the search engine, you may come across completely different sites, pop-up ads may surround you, and you may even see advertisements even if your internet browser is not open. In addition to being annoying, this situation can also pose great dangers as soon as you click.
What are the symptoms of spyware infection?
- The home page of your internet browser changes.
- Your default search engine changes.
- You will see meaningless search results and advertisements.
- You will see ads even if your internet browser is closed.
- Your device performance drops drastically.
- Your device often freezes or even crashes.
- You start seeing folders on your device that you don’t recognize.
- You will see that your files have moved.
- Your files will be deleted.
- You’ll see emails that you haven’t sent in the Sent Items folder.
- Even websites encrypted with the https protocol are seen as unsafe.
Here are some of the problems you may encounter when a spyware infiltrates your device. Most of the time, spyware manifests itself in some way, and careful users understand this. However, in some cases, spyware can be quite insidious and go undetected.
How is spyware transmitted?
The main source of infection of spyware is software packages. Users download a software package from an untrusted source and install spyware with their own hands. Untrustworthy download sources, obscure software, campaigns claiming to offer free stuff are always dangerous.
Links and file attachments in emails are also the most common places for spyware. Even the accept cookies button on untrusted websites can be a spyware tool. So anything can happen at any time. So don’t click on any untrusted links and remember, free cheese is only available in a mousetrap.
How to delete spyware?
If you suspect that your computer, tablet or smartphone has spyware, you should immediately reset the device. After backing up your important files, reset the device and make sure all software is removed. Most of the time, this will get you rid of spyware.
Because spyware is not a virus, it will not hide in your files or folders. It is software that actively moves with its own files. Therefore, resetting the device will be the best method. However, in some cases, you may need professional support.
We answered questions such as what is spyware, what it does, and how to detect it, which is one of the biggest cyber threats of today’s world, and we talked about the details you need to know about the subject. The internet world is full of dangers, be careful where you click.
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