Spyware: meaning, definitions and examples

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spyware

[ ˈspaɪˌwɛər ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

computer security

Spyware is software that enables a user to obtain covert information about another's computer activities by transmitting data covertly from their hard drive.

Synonyms

adware, keylogger, malware.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spyware	Use this term when referring to software that secretly collects information about a person or organization without their knowledge, often to monitor their online behavior. The security software detected and removed spyware from her computer. Spyware can track your browsing history and access sensitive information.
malware	Use this term as a general category for any malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or otherwise compromise a computer system. It can include viruses, worms, spyware, adware, and more. The company’s network was infected with malware that resulted in data breaches. Always keep your antivirus software updated to protect against malware.
adware	Use this term to describe software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material such as banners or pop-ups when a user is online. The free app was filled with adware that constantly showed unwanted advertisements. Adware can slow down your computer by flooding it with ads.
keylogger	Use this term to denote software or hardware that logs keystrokes on a computer to capture sensitive information such as passwords and personal messages. This term carries a strong negative connotation. The keylogger recorded every keystroke, including her bank login credentials. Installing a keylogger on someone’s computer without their permission is illegal.

Examples of usage

She suspected that spyware was monitoring her online activities.
The company's security system detected spyware on their network.

Translations

Translations of the word "spyware" in other languages:

🇵🇹 spyware

🇮🇳 स्पाइवेयर

🇩🇪 Spyware

🇮🇩 spyware

🇺🇦 шпигунське програмне забезпечення

🇵🇱 spyware

🇯🇵 スパイウェア

🇫🇷 logiciel espion

🇪🇸 software espía

🇹🇷 casus yazılımı

🇰🇷 스파이웨어

🇸🇦 برمجيات تجسس

🇨🇿 spyware

🇸🇰 spyware

🇨🇳 间谍软件

🇸🇮 vohunska programska oprema

🇮🇸 njósnahugbúnaður

🇰🇿 шпиондық бағдарлама

🇬🇪 საზვერო პროგრამა

🇦🇿 casus proqramı

🇲🇽 software espía

Etymology

The term 'spyware' originated in the early 2000s, as a combination of 'spy' and 'software'. It was initially used to refer to software that monitored a user's behavior without their consent, often for advertising or information-gathering purposes. Spyware has evolved over the years to encompass a range of malicious software designed to gather information or control a user's computer without their knowledge.