Do you know or have you ever experienced an attack from spyware yourself? A brief explanation about spyware itself is a danger that can lurk all cyberspace activities to attack you if there is a chance.
Before reading further, for those of you who want to know more about Netdata, you can contact us directly via the link below.
Consultation Via WhatsappMany cases of people affected by this spyware attack are not aware that they are one of the victims themselves. suddenly the computer or cellphone device feels strange as if all the saved passwords have been changed so that there are illegal transactions in your mobile banking account.
Therefore, in this article, we will discuss more deeply about how spyware works and how to deal with this. Let’s look at some of the following explanations.
Table of Contents
Spyware Explanation
Spyware is a program or software that is malicious or called malware, this malware is usually installed without permission and aims to collect someone’s personal data. This software is one of the oldest cybercrime practices on the internet that continues to evolve following technological developments.
The type of data collected varies depending on the owner of the data, ranging from logging data on websites visited, data downloaded, incoming and outgoing e-mail messages, account and credit card information, to passwords and your social media login username.
How Spyware Works
The way this spyware works is quite unique where it needs your own help in installing it on your computer device.
Yes, with your own unknowingly installing this software into your computer to steal your own data.
The following explains how spyware works:
- You download a free application or crack on an obscure website.
- Using pirated applications, be it movies, applications, songs, to video games.
- Opening links in emails that are not clear, aka spam.
- Provide a username and password on a website that looks like a real website.
- Flashdisk infected due to another computer infected with spyware
Examples of Spyware Actions
There are six types of examples of spyware that need to be known:
Keylogger or System Monitor
Keylogger is one of the most famous spyware, where this application will be installed on the victim’s computer which is capable of recording the victim’s keyboard usage. In addition to recording keyboard typing, the keylogger will send the recordings to the hacker’s server. Whether it’s passwords, credit card data to personal information can be misused.
Adware
Adware is spyware in the form of advertisements, for example, banner advertisements on browsers that suddenly appear on your computer screen.
This adware can interfere with your activities to the point of being dangerous if you accidentally click on the banner which can redirect you to a phishing website to install the program automatically.
Trojans
Trojans or trojan horses are spyware that can disguise themselves as software in general. Trojans can execute hacker commands to take control of your computer.
Password Theft
As the name suggests that password theft can steal passwords and other login information. This type of spyware can send stolen data to a hacker’s server.
Browser Hijackers
Have you ever noticed that your browser changes appearance suddenly? If so, it is very likely that your computer has been infected with a browser hijacker. In short, this software takes over your browser in displaying adware that can interrupt you while browsing. In the worst case, your browser is embedded with a keylogger that can steal all your activities on the internet.
Rootkits
Rootkits can allow hackers to take over your computer. Usually this type can be used to steal personal data. However, hackers can use your computer as a DDoS tool to attack other computers.
Pegasus
This Pegasus has the function of monitoring all data on the victim’s device, including browser user history, GPS location, to all chat or email message records.
Losses Caused By Spyware
Then how the loss of spyware for the victim? Let’s look at the following:
Slows down Device and Wastes Battery
Spyware will automatically run on your computer unnoticed, here are some things that can happen behind the scenes:
- Can record keyboard activity
- Displays pop-up ads
- Record your mic
- Turn on the camera
- Take a screenshot of the screen
- Install other spyware support applications
This activity will eat up resources on your computer and work continuously until your computer works harder.
Device System Malfunction
This spyware not only takes your data but can also delete important data files to damage the operating system on your computer.
The effect will of course slow down computer performance to the point of damaging your computer and forcing you to reinstall your device again which has the effect of losing data.
Redirects You to a Specific Website
Spyware can direct or redirect to certain websites without you knowing that the website address you type will lead to another website. There are not a few cases that the website being redirected is a dangerous website that can spread viruses, malware, and so on.
Turning Your Device As a Server
The worst thing about spyware is that it can take your device or remote server. This means without realizing that you will spread it to other people.
This is too risky if your device is used for business purposes and interacts with many people. Because, they can all be exposed to spyware from you.
It is possible that more than one of them could also be used as a server to attack even more people.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is the main purpose of this spyware to take all your personal data that can be sent to hackers and misuse this data for the benefit of the spyware maker or third parties in buying the data.
For example, make purchases of illegal goods, drain your account balance, or just to damage your reputation in cyberspace. All really detrimental
Well, the most popular way to carry out identity theft is to use a keylogger. Keylogger is an application that can record every letter that you type on the keyboard.
This means that every time you enter your username, password, credit card number, to the CVV number, the spyware maker will know.
There are even more sophisticated types of keyloggers that can also monitor your camera and mic non-stop. So, any activities that take place in front of your device will be known by the spyware creator.
How to Remove Spyware from Computer
The way to get rid of spyware may be quite difficult because this spyware may not be detected at all by even the best antivirus.
It’s true that it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible, here’s how to get rid of spyware that you can use:
- Install the best antivirus that has spyware removal features. Then, run a thorough scan of your processes. For antivirus recommendations.
- Remove unfamiliar apps or ones you started with never installed. Especially, if the next application is only a few megabytes in size.
- Clear cookies, cache and browsing history on your browser. Usually, spyware includes infiltrating your browser cookies.
- Reinstall the operating process or factory reset your device. This method is the last step if other solutions fail. Because all your data and applications on C:/ or internal storage will be deleted.
Some Anti Spyware Software Recommendations
Prevention is better than cure, yes before you get spyware it would be nice for you to use additional protection such as the following:
Avira
Avira is a fairly well-known antivirus where it provides a spyware cleaner feature. You can set how often Avira scans your device. If you find software in the folder or file, Avira will quarantine it while waiting for you to delete it manually.
TotalAV
TotalAV has a feature to quarantine files containing malware but can also clean them. That way you don’t have to worry anymore that the computer software is damaged if the files have to be deleted.
In addition, this program can block advertisements in browsers that are considered malware so that you can be more comfortable surfing in cyberspace.
SpywareBlaster
Different from the two previous softwares, this spywareblaster has a special function that can protect you from this program. This software cannot find spyware by scanning it but can also prevent spyware from being installed on your computer.
Bitdefender
This Bitdefender is able to protect computers and mobile devices. This security software is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
As well as being able to scan automatically, bitdefender can protect you against spyware from browsers. So that your email conversations, passwords, and online transaction data are safe from hackers.
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