What is spyware: how it works and how it affects. The complete guide.

Redazione RHC : 3 August 2025 10:57

Spyware is malware (malicious programs) designed to infiltrate users’ computer systems to monitor their activities and collect personal information. These programs can be installed on devices without the user’s consent and can cause serious damage to privacy and security.

In this article, we’ll explain how spyware can infiltrate our devices and what the signs are that indicate its presence. Next, we’ll provide some tips on how to protect our devices from spyware and understand the most common types of spyware, as well as government spyware.

By reading this article, readers will gain a greater understanding of the risks of spyware and the possible measures they can take to protect their devices and privacy.

What is spyware

Spyware is malicious computer programs that infiltrate users’ systems and collect personal information without their consent. There are several ways spyware can infect a device. Through programs downloaded from untrusted sources, phishing email attachments, online advertisements, and much more.

Once spyware is installed on the device, it begins monitoring the user’s activities and collecting personal information, such as browsing data, social media activity, financial information, and more. This information is then sent to servers controlled by cybercriminals, who can use it for identity theft, phishing, and other illegal activities.

Spyware uses sophisticated techniques to infiltrate users’ systems and remain hidden, making it difficult to detect and remove. For example, they can use camouflage techniques to hide their files or processes in users’ operating systems, or they can use encryption techniques to protect the information they collect and transfer.

Spyware is therefore a specialization of malware that poses a threat to users’ security and privacy.

Who uses it

Spyware is primarily used by individuals or organizations seeking to monitor a specific user’s activities without their consent, as we saw previously. For example, an employer might install spyware on an employee’s company computer to monitor employee activity. Or a parent might install spyware on their child’s computer to monitor their online activity. These are often also called “parental controls.”

Spyware can also be used by cybercriminals to steal personal or financial information, such as credit card numbers or passwords, or by government agencies to monitor the activities of suspected criminals or terrorists.

However, the use of spyware can violate users’ privacy and constitute a crime, depending on local laws and regulations.

The most popular spyware

There are many well-known spyware programs in the world of computer security. Some of these are spyware tools made available by Public Sector Offensive Actors (PSOAs), such as NSO Group, Gamma International, Rayzone, Candiru, and FinFisher, to name a few.

Here are some of the most well-known spyware that have been widely published in newspapers:

1. Pegasus: Spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, which can infect mobile devices (iOS and Android) and be used to access user data, text messages, voice conversations, the device’s camera, and microphone. The software has been used in several countries to monitor activists, journalists, and politicians.
2. FinFisher: Commercial spyware developed by the British company Gamma Group that is used by governments and intelligence agencies worldwide to monitor users’ online activities. The software can be used to access users’ emails, chats, documents, banking data, and other sensitive information.
3. Remote Control System (RCS): Spyware developed by the Italian company Hacking Team, which could be used to access user data, chats, emails, text messages, photos, documents, and other sensitive information on infected devices. The software has been used by governments in several countries, but it has also been used by cybercriminals who obtained it illegally.
4. DigiTask: Spyware developed by the German company DigiTask for the German police, which can be used to access user data, chats, emails, text messages, photos, documents, and other sensitive information on infected devices.
5. XKeyscore: Government surveillance software developed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) that can be used to monitor the online activities of users worldwide. The software has been used to collect information from emails, chats, social media, and other websites. This software was exposed in the Datagate scandal by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

It’s important to note that there are many other types of spyware, so the above list is only a brief overview of the most well-known ones.

How a Spyware Infection Happens

A spyware infection occurs when malicious software is installed on a device without the user’s consent. Spyware can be installed on a device in a variety of ways. For example, it can be present in a phishing email attachment, in software downloaded from untrustworthy or malware-infected websites, or in a file shared over a peer-to-peer network.

Once the software is installed, it can begin collecting information about the device and the user. For example, it can monitor your internet browsing activity, collect information about your login credentials, record voice or text conversations, access your device’s camera or microphone, or install other malware on your device.

In some cases, the most complex and feared spyware can be particularly advanced and difficult to detect. For example, they can use rootkit techniques to hide from detection by security tools, or they can use zero-click exploits to infect a device without any user interaction, such as an unanswered WhatsApp voice call (as in the case of Pegasus).

How do you know if you’ve been infected with spyware?

Spyware can be difficult to detect because it’s designed to operate stealthily. However, there are some warning signs that may indicate the presence of spyware on your device:

1. Decreased device performance: Spyware running in the background can cause your device to slow down, freeze, or crash.
2. Increased network traffic: Spyware that transmits information about your activities can cause increased network traffic on your device.
3. Unexpected pop-ups or messages: Spyware can generate unexpected pop-ups or messages on your device. Device.
4. Changes in device settings: Spyware can change device settings, such as disabling antivirus software or the firewall.
5. Abnormal battery usage: Spyware constantly working in the background can cause your device’s battery to drain rapidly.

The Phenomenon of Government Spyware

Government spyware is surveillance software developed by governments or intelligence agencies to monitor users’ online activities.

These programs can be used to collect personal information, monitor internet browsing, record voice or text conversations, and even control the user’s device’s camera and microphone.

Historically, this type of malware has always been a major media focus due to its pervasiveness and ability to indiscriminately access and track users’ devices.

This is why this type of technology, although generally used for specific purposes (such as fighting terrorism or preventing cybercrime), has sometimes been misused, raising concerns about the abuse of these technologies and the violation of user privacy.

How can you protect yourself from spyware?

To protect To protect your devices from spyware infection, it’s important to take precautions. There are some measures you can take to protect yourself from spyware:

1. Use antivirus software: Good antivirus software can detect and remove spyware from your system.
2. Update your software regularly: Spyware can exploit software vulnerabilities to infiltrate your system. Therefore, it’s important to keep your software updated with the latest security updates.
3. Avoid clicking suspicious links: Spyware often spreads through malicious links or email attachments. Therefore, it’s important to avoid clicking suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown senders.
4. Use a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN can protect your internet connection from prying eyes and encrypt your data to prevent spyware from collecting it.
5. Use strong passwords: Weak passwords can be easily guessed by spyware. Therefore, it’s important to use strong passwords and change them regularly.
6. Disable unnecessary features: Some system features, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, can be exploited by spyware to infiltrate your system. Therefore, it’s important to disable unnecessary features if you don’t use them.
7. Be cautious on the internet: Finally, it’s important to always be cautious on the internet and limit access to suspicious websites or illegal content. This can help prevent spyware from infiltrating your system and increase overall security.