What is Spyware?

-

Spyware is software that infiltrates your mobile phone or computer, stealing your data and private information. Spyware is classified as malicious software that is created to damage your device, often without you even realizing it is happening.


A lot of spyware can even install foreign software that allows hackers to change your settings and passwords, that is why it is so important to always keep your device updated on a regular basis.

Spyware is one of the most common threats that can gain access to your computer or cell phone, it can be a massive threat to your business as well as yourself as an individual since it can steal private, personal data and cause harm to your network.

Here are the four main types of spyware that you need to lookout for…

Adware. This spyware will track your browser history and your downloads in order to display ads about services and products you are interested in. Adware can be annoying plus it can really slow down your devices.

Trojan. This type of spyware will pretend to be legitimate, trustworthy software, such as Java or Adobe Flash Player in order to access your private information such as your bank account information and your passwords.

Tracking Cookies. This type of spyware will track your activity online such as your Google searches, history and downloads. Similar to adware, tracking cookies will track your activities for marketing purposes.

System Monitors. This spyware can capture basically everything you do on your mobile phone or computer! It can record your emails, keystroke and even the specific websites you have visited in the past.

Here’s how to prevent spyware:

1. Do not open emails or attachments from unknown senders!
2. Do not download files from sources you cannot trust!
3. Do not click on pop-up ads!
4. Always use a reliable, trustworthy anti-virus program!

Have you been infected with spyware? Do not hesitate to give our OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) & Digital Forensics Department a call on 021 110 0422 or email contact@osint.co.za | contact@tcgforensics.co.za

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Phishing, Smishing and Vishing!

-
Image
Letting your guard down can lead to serious consequences, especially when it comes to fraud through your emails, SMS’s and even telephone calls. Phishing, smishing, and vishing are some of the many ways that criminals may try to defraud you… Here’s what you need to know about phishing, smishing, and vishing! Phishing: This is a scam that takes place through emails. A typical attack will occur when you receive an email that looks real, either appearing to be sent from your bank or other financial institution.  Most of the time the email will ask you to click on a link or update your private account information. Even though these emails may look legitimate, they are simply trying to scare you into clicking a link that will lead to a legitimate-looking website – but it isn’t! They will try and scare you into clicking links by saying, “your account has been blocked.” or “you need to install this new software to stay protected.” If you fall for this fake email, you wi
Read more

The 4 most popular Spam Scams!

-
Image
If you have any sort of common sense you would know that there isn’t a prince or member of a royal African family that wants to send you their millions with no strings attached! However, even though this sort of scam has been ongoing for many years, the overall principals of a spam scam are still going strong and continue to grow and become more malicious each and every day. These are 4 of the most popular spam scams that like to pretend to come from an actual legitimate source, often tricking unknowing people into clicking on links and opening dangerous attachments. Fake password changes One of the most common scams is the password change alert or confirmation email that users will receive either from their bank, social media network or another trusted source. The scammers will trick the users into thinking their accounts have been hacked and urge them to click on a link or open a malicious attachment to reset their password. False bookings These scams ap
Read more

Social Media Safety - Twitter

-
Image
Whether you tweet once a day or constantly tweet updates throughout the day, you need to remember that if you’re using Twitter you need to be aware of the security and privacy risks. Here are five important safety tips to remember when you’re using Twitter. -- Never share personal information It is best to keep all your private information such as your phone number, address and email address, out of your Twitter profile! Geotagging is an optional feature that is able to make your exact location public, it is also best to switch off this setting too. -- Update your password Hackers can easily gain access to your account if you have used a weak, easily guessable password. Use a strong password and change it every few weeks for maximum security. Make sure to include uppercase and lower case letters, numbers and special characters in your passwords every time. -- Never click on suspicious links Often hackers will try a phishing attack on you through your
Read more