什么是：间谍软件

What is Spyware

Spyware is a diverse category of malware, which was designed specially for collecting information about the device’s user and his actions, as well as for gaining control over the device without its user's knowledge or permission.

Although the term 'spyware' itself suggests that these programs track user activity, today this name is often used more broadly and also refers to other products that, strictly speaking, are not spyware. These products perform various functions, such as displaying unwanted advertisements, redirecting users to various web pages, etc.

Unlike viruses and worms, spyware cannot be distributed independently, so certain user actions are required to install it. In this sense, spyware is somehow similar to Trojan horses. Spyware can be installed on an unsuspecting user's computer by means of conventional social engineering techniques. Many "free" programs offered on the Internet actually contain this type of malware inside. In some cases, applications that promise to clean the device of spyware, are actually spyware or additionally install spyware.