What is spyware?
Spyware is loosely defined as malicious software.
Designed to enter a device, gather sensitive data, and forward it to a third party.
All spy activities are done without the user consent.
Spyware is used for commercial purposes like advertising and to make profit from data stolen from a victim’s device.
Spyware is broadly categorised as trojan spyware, adware, tracking cookie, and system monitors.
Uses of spyware
Spyware can be used to steal personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.
Spyware can be used to steal money from victims by intercepting their online banking transactions or credit card payments.
Spyware can be used by competitors to steal trade secrets and other confidential information from businesses.
Spyware can be used by governments to monitor the activities of their citizens.
Spyware can be used by stalkers to track their victims' movements and communications.
legitimate purposes
Parents can use spyware to monitor their children's online activity and protect them from online predators.
Employers can use spyware to monitor their employees' work activity and ensure that they are not violating company policy.
Businesses can use spyware to detect fraudulent activity on their websites and networks.
Recent attacks of spyware
In September 2023, researchers discovered a new batch of Android spyware apps on Google Play that had been installed over 30 million times.
In August 2023, cybersecurity firm CISA warned government agencies about the risks of spyware attacks on iPhones.
In July 2023, researchers at Citizen Lab discovered that Pegasus spyware had been used to target journalists and activists in several countries.
In June 2023, researchers at ESET discovered a new spyware campaign that was targeting Android users in India.
Former Egyptian MP Ahmed Eltantawy was targeted with Cytrox’s Predator spyware sent via links on SMS and WhatsApp.
How spyware impact on human rights.
Issue of privacy.
Freedom of expression.
Unfair trials.
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