spyware

Thân thiện

A warning message pops up on the laptop screen about a spyware infection.

Definition

Noun: 1. Malicious software designed to gather information covertly: Spyware is a type of computer software that secretly collects data about a user's activities, online behavior, or personal information without the user's knowledge or consent. Its primary function is surveillance and data theft.

Usage

Spyware is typically used as a non-count noun. It refers to the general category or concept of such software. - Example: The IT department warned employees about the dangers of spyware. - Example: Installing that free program might come bundled with spyware.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The antivirus program detected and removed several pieces of spyware from my laptop.
  • Spyware can track your keystrokes to steal passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Legislation aims to crack down on companies that use spyware to monitor users.

Advanced Usage

• "To be infected with spyware": Describes a computer or system that has spyware installed on it.
  • His computer was running slowly because it was infected with spyware.
• "Spyware removal": Refers to the process or tools used to delete spyware.
  • She used a reputable tool for spyware removal.

Variants and Related Words

• Adware (noun): Software that automatically displays or downloads advertising material. While often annoying, adware is sometimes distinguished from spyware, though they can overlap.
• Malware (noun): A broader term for malicious software, which includes spyware, viruses, and ransomware.
• Tracker (noun): A specific component, often within spyware or other software, designed to monitor user activity.

Synonyms

• Surveillance software
• Monitoring software
• Snoopware (less common)

Related Phrases

• Spyware program: A specific instance or piece of spyware software.
  • That download installed a spyware program on my machine.
• Anti-spyware: Software designed to detect and remove spyware.
  • You should run an anti-spyware scan regularly.

Học thuật

Noun

1. computer software that obtains information from a user's computer without the user's knowledge or consent