Unless you’re a computer whizz or have been a cyber victim before, it’s easy to dismiss computer threats as just that – threats. But, when one affects your device, it can have catastrophic consequences.
What Are Malware, Spyware, and Viruses?
These are all common and often interchanged terms used to describe threats to your computer. To the average person, they are all the same in a way; they pose one kind of threat or another to your system and the data it holds.
However, they are not the same. Technically, they are all “Malware.” This amalgamates the words “malicious” and “software.” It is used to refer to any piece of software that’s able to harm computers or data without the user’s permission or knowledge.
What is Spyware?
Spyware is computer software that gathers information about an organization or a person secretively and behind the scenes, a bit like a real spy.
It is a malicious program that gets into a computer to gather data, which it then sends to a third party. Essentially, it’s designed to access a device, leak data from it, and damage it without the consent of the device owner.
All of this sensitive information is used maliciously for profit. The attackers will use it to sell data, steal money or create false identities. It is one of the most common cyberattack methods, leaving businesses and individuals vulnerable.