Introduction to Spyware, Adware, and Scareware
In the previous article, I discussed malware, including its types: viruses, worms, ransomware, trojan horses, logic bombs, back doors, and rootkits. This article should discuss malware types, spyware, adware, and scareware.
Spyware
A computer installs this software without the end-user knowledge, enabling a criminal to get information about the user’s computer activities. The spyware activities are keystroke collection, data capture, and activity trackers. The software violates the end user’s privacy and has the potential to be abused. So, it’s controversial software, and sometimes the computing device’s security settings change with this software. It usually merges itself with legitimate software or with Trojan horses. Moreover, many shareware websites are full of spyware.
Tracking software is inoffensive, and organizations use it to check employees’ browsing activities. Parents may also use a keylogger to check their kids’ activities on the Internet. The advertiser uses a cookie for tracking.
So, if the end-user remains to inform that information is collected with software, such data collection programs are not spyware. Spyware detection is too difficult. Often, the speed is the first sign to a user. The infected computer or device with spyware is a noticeable decrease in processor or network connection speeds, and in the case of mobile device data usage and battery life is decreasing too much.
Adware
Adware is an application that displays advertising banners while a program runs and generates revenue for its authors. It also analyzes user interests by tracking the websites visited and then sends pop-up advertising relevant to those sites. Some software automatically installs Adware with its installation. Some adware only shows advertisements, but it is common for adware to come with spyware. Adware is available for computers and mobile.
Scareware
Scareware is malware that tricks victims into purchasing and downloading useless and potentially dangerous software based on fear. Scareware generates pop-up windows that look like operating system dialogue windows.
The pop-up window conveys messages, generally stating that the system is at risk and antivirus or anti-spyware software, a firewall application or a registry cleaner is required. But, actually, there are no problems, and if the user agrees and allows the mentioned program to execute, the malware infects their system.