What is spyware and how does it work?
The term spyware covers a wide range of malicious software – programs that can do everything from capturing passwords as you type to spying on you through a webcam or connected devices.
How do Trojans steal your data?
A Trojan works in much the same way as the historic Trojan horse. It looks like a game or tool or some kind of useful program, and it may even perform its promised function. But it also contains malicious code.
How do advertisers track your browsing habits?
Have you noticed how when you look at a product on a shopping site, you start seeing ads for it on other sites? Online advertisers really want to show you ads you might click on. To do this, they use a variety of techniques to identify your browsing habits.
What about spies using public data?
Real-world spies don’t spend all their time hiding behind potted plants or peering through binoculars at their targets. They can often build a comprehensive profile simply by collating publicly available information. These spies are called open-source information gatherers. The same goes for a growing category of companies known as data brokers or aggregators. These spies can compile a detailed profile on you, your neighbor, and almost anyone else from public information.
What is the best anti-spyware software for webcams?
A webcam on a laptop or all-in-one computer makes video conferencing very easy. You can tell when it’s active thanks to the little light next to it. Right? Well, not necessarily. There are types of malware that can activate the webcam and monitor you without the light indicating its activity.
Do your smart devices need anti-spyware?
Your home network supports a range of clearly visible computing and mobile devices. Behind the scenes, it also supports a larger array of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Nowadays, garage doors, washing machines, and light fixtures are connected to the network. So are toys. It’s great that your child’s new doll can learn her name and talk in a realistic way. But it’s not so great when it turns out that the doll is spying on you.
How does anti-spyware software work?
The protective features of anti-spyware software I mentioned are important, but they are not the only tools available. I mentioned encrypting sensitive files. For maximum security, you should also use secure deletion to wipe original assets beyond the possibility of forensic data recovery. And yes, many antivirus programs and security suites offer secure deletion.
Source: https://me.pcmag.com/en/antivirus/15507/the-best-antispyware-software-for-2023
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