What is spyware?

Spyware is a type of malicious software designed to gather information about a user without their consent. It can collect details such as browsing habits, personal information, login credentials, and other sensitive data, often sending this information back to the spyware's creator. This type of software poses significant privacy risks and is typically installed unknowingly by the user, making it particularly insidious.

In contrast to options that describe legitimate software functionalities, such as enhancing performance, facilitating online shopping, or creating backups, spyware fundamentally operates under the premise of illicit data collection, which is why it is critical to use security tools to protect systems from such threats.