Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware that installs itself on a computer or phone without the owner's informed consent and quietly gathers information, sending it to whoever controls it. It may record keystrokes, capture screenshots, read messages and emails, track location or harvest saved passwords and banking logins. Variants range from advertising trackers to keyloggers, banking trojans and commercial surveillance tools sold to governments. Spyware usually arrives through malicious links, infected downloads, fake apps or phishing messages, and some advanced tools exploit unknown software flaws to infect a device with no click at all. In crypto, spyware is used to steal seed phrases and swap copied wallet addresses. Defences include keeping software updated, installing apps only from official stores, using antivirus tools and keeping large holdings off internet-connected devices.