Spyware Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธ
spyware
[หspaษชหwษษr ]
Definition
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
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.
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| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She suspected that spyware was monitoring her online activities.
- The company's security system detected spyware on their network.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cybersecurity
- Spyware often collects sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers without the user's consent.
- Some types of spyware can track online behavior to create targeted advertisements, invading privacy in the process.
Legal Issues
- Many countries have laws against the use of spyware, especially when used without user consent, to protect privacy.
- In 2004, the U.S. implemented laws that specifically targeted spyware to safeguard consumers.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often depict espionage and hacking, showcasing spyware as a tool for gathering intelligence.
- In video games, characters sometimes use spyware as part of their arsenal to gain the upper hand against opponents.
Technology
- As technology advances, spyware techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, making detection more challenging.
- Modern anti-virus software often includes features to detect and remove spyware, highlighting the ongoing battle in cybersecurity.
Origin of 'spyware'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'spy,' meaning to watch secretly, and 'ware' from software, indicating a type of program.
- The word became popular in the late 1990s as the internet grew and more people started using computers.
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.