TYPES OF SPYWARE

1. Adware tracks the browser history and the downloads to predict buying habits for malicious advertisements.
2. Keyloggers are also called keystroke loggers. They record the user’s keystrokes on their infected device, then save the data into an encrypted log file. It collects all the data that a user types into a device, such as email data, passwords, messages and usernames.
3. Rootkits enable attackers to infiltrate devices by identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities. Rootkits are extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to detect.
4. Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software, acting as a software update or file, compelling a user to let it into the device.
5. Internet tracking is a practice used to follow web activities like browsing history and downloads, mainly for marketing purposes.

HOW DOES SPYWARE WORK? All type of spyware essentially stays on a device and spy on the user activity i.e. the sites visited, the passwords entered or the data they share. Some spyware may forcefully install software on the device, enabling the attacker to make changes to the device. Typically, spyware follows a three-step process, from being installed on a device to selling stolen information.

1. Infiltrates the device: This could happen by downloading malicious files or software by mistake, clicking on a corrupt link, or unknowingly visiting malicious websites.
2. Data capture: Once installed, it starts monitoring and tracking the user activity around the internet, capturing credentials and monitoring browsing behaviours.
3. Send or sell to third-party: The captured data is then relayed to third parties, spyware creators, or sold in grey market. If attackers use the data, they can spoof the identity of the user and can get further access to sensitive and private information.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE SPYWARE INFECTION Even though spyware is difficult to identify and can often go undetected, a few tell-tale signs could indicate the infiltration of a device. These include:

• Slow performance of the device, or device having frequent crashes
• Unusual error messages
• Pop-up ads persistently showing up in browser windows
• Unexpected browser changes
• Browser searches redirect to different search engines
• Browser displaying a new toolbar or plugin that wasn’t added

PROTECTION AGAINST SPYWARE Spyware creators have been expanding the horizon when it comes to ways that information can be stolen from users. Since the threat is constant, it is wise to deploy internet security software or systems to strengthen the defence mechanism of an individual or corporate devices against spyware. Anti-spam filters, cloud-based detection, and virtual encrypted keyboards are useful for eliminating potential risks. Below are a few ways that internet safety against spyware can be established.

1. Security updates: Updating software with the latest versions is necessary to prevent spyware and other types of malware. If the latest security patch is not installed on the systems, cyber-attackers can take advantage of vulnerabilities, like gaps in the code, etc. Software updates fix these vulnerabilities.
2. Use secure networks: Unsecured and public Wi-Fi networks are easy for hackers to breach. Organizations and individuals should avoid using free Wi-Fi networks and only connect to trusted, secure networks.
3. Limited usage of free software: It can be compelling to download free software, but doing so can have financial repercussions for users and their organizations. The free software may be unsecured, and the creator can make a profit from users’ data.
4. Cookie consent: When visiting a webpage, it can be easy to simply click ‘accept’ on the cookie consent pop-ups that appear persistently. However, they need to be careful about granting their consent every time and only accept cookies from trusted websites.
5. Browser extensions: Anti-tracking extensions that prevent online tracking of web activity on web browsers can also be installed. These extensions can block activity tracking, keeping user data private when accessing the internet.
6. Best practice and behaviour: Practicing good cybersecurity behaviour is crucial to avoiding spyware. All users need to be aware of the security risks they face, avoid opening emails or downloading files from sources they do not know and ensure that they hover over links to check if they are genuine before clicking on them.
7. Regular risk assessments: Such assessments  help organizations to be constantly aware of their strengths and ramp up their networks if deficiencies are found.

ANTI SPYWARE Anti-spyware is software that is designed to detect and remove spyware from a device. Spyware poses several risks to the users, such as degradation of device performance, installing unwanted additional software, redirecting users’ browser activity, etc. Anti-spyware can identify and remove spyware from a device or even act as an anti-virus software by providing real-time protection. Several anti-spywares are available for purchase, the same way as an anti-virus. PEGASUS SPYWARE The Pegasus, an advanced Spyware, created by Israeli cyber intelligence NSO Group, is designed to hack computers or mobile devices to gain access and retrieve sensitive data without the consent of the user. The data is then delivered to a third party, which is actually spying on the user’s device. It all started 4-5 years ago when a human rights activist from the UAE received a text message that was a phishing attempt. After sharing the messages with a security agency, it came to light that, had he opened the link, his phone would have been infected with malware called Pegasus. The Pegasus Spyware attacks devices so seamlessly that the device owner may not even get to know. This is also because Pegasus follows the zero-click method i.e. the device owner doesn’t even need to click on any link or message or give any other input for the malware to work. Even if the user deletes a suspicious message or link, it still  infects the device. Once the Pegasus spyware enters the device, all text messages, emails and browsing activity can be accessed by the third party. The extent of the access is so much that the attackers can track even the mic or camera. Pegasus can also trace end-to-end encrypted messages and be stolen by the spyware before encryption or after decryption. The parent organization of the Pegasus Spyware has made several claims that it is intended to help government authorities to be used against terror outfits and cybercriminals. So such a spyware can be intentionally used by Federal agencies !   About SNS Secure Network Solutions India (SNS) provides a quantifiable, risk-based approach to building corporate cybersecurity based on globally recognized frameworks and standards. We have been protecting businesses for the last 20 years! Write to us at [email protected]