Spyware is a malware that records all of the activities on an electronic device.
Spyware is a type of malware programmed to record every activity that goes on in an infected device and relay it to a snooper. Its main purpose is to track a person’s activity online and harvest information from them so that it can be used for the hacker’s personal gain, such as selling data to marketers or identity fraud.
Spyware is commonly distributed to unsuspecting users through infected websites, which can be accessed via emails and random pop-up browsers or ads. Furthermore, downloading files online can also infect a device with spyware. There are several types of spyware, such as adware, trojans, keyloggers, tracking cookies and system monitors that perform specific functions and record a set of information without the knowledge and consent of the target.
Spyware is detrimental to crypto users since this malware could potentially steal their private keys, allowing hackers to steal funds. Unlike in credit or debit cards, transactions that involve stolen cryptocurrencies cannot be reversed due to blockchain’s immutable nature.
Cryptojackers are malicious software programs designed to secretly install and run cryptocurrency mining software on a computer without the owner’s knowledge or permission. This type of software is designed to generate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, using the victim’s computing power. The mined cryptocurrency is then sent to the attacker’s account. Cryptojacking is a form of cybercrime that can be used to generate revenue for attackers.