Articles > Cybersecurity >听How to prevent and remove spyware
How to prevent and remove spyware
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
Common examples of spyware
- Adware
- Tracking cookies
- Trojans
- System monitors
Each type can create major problems for network security. These problems might start small 鈥 a device may experience slower load times or programs may crash or freeze. As it begins to take greater hold of the device, these problems will likely worsen.
Learning to recognize each type is one of the best ways to prevent malicious code from attacking a device. After identification, diagnosing can help remove malware infections and minimize damage.
Adware
Adware is a malicious advertising program that听automatically displays advertisements听to users. Different types of adware work in different ways. For example, some adware only appears when using a specific internet browser. In other cases, it might display ads as soon as a user turns on a device.
Adware can automatically download after opening a malicious message or听visiting an unsecured website. The adware begins to show ads, making revenue for the advertiser or the hacker. These ads are shown without the user鈥檚 consent and often require a security process to be deactivated.
Tracking cookies
Tracking cookies are specialized cookie files that can be听shared across devices or networks. The files are often used for legitimate marketing purposes or by a device to remember trusted websites.
In some cases, however, these files are used maliciously to听track browsing behavior without the user's consent. This occurs when files override cookie or browser preferences and deliver information to third parties without the user's knowledge or consent.
Many tracking cookies are small text files, which are more difficult for users to identify when looking for malware on their devices. These files cannot contain viruses, but hackers can use them to听track internet activity. Hackers then use the information to access personal files or data.
Trojan horses
Commonly known as a Trojan horse, this malicious code appears to be harmless. Once activated, it unleashes a payload 鈥 a set of malicious codes 鈥 that can听compromise a device听or data in several ways.
Trojan horses attempt to deceive a device user by looking like a听reputable download听that, once downloaded, clicked on and executed, releases the payload. It will often begin sifting through personal information. This can include stored passwords, credit card data, images, text files and other听items that could contain sensitive data.
Using an internet connection, it then delivers that information to a hacker. Hackers can also use Trojan horses to download additional harmful programs to a device.
System monitors
System monitors are another type of program that can cause damage. These programs听track user actions听while they use a device. Some system听monitoring programs听track keystrokes while others might monitor email, browsing history or a list of the programs used.
System monitoring programs are often听disguised as freeware听鈥 software that is available for download online at no cost. The downloaded program soon begins to monitor a user鈥檚 activity and delivers results to hackers.
How can spyware be removed?
After identifying spyware on a device, it鈥檚 time to remove it. This can take time, but it鈥檚 an important step in securing the device and the data stored on its hard drive.
Here are some of the major steps in the removal process:
- Update the system鈥檚 software 鈥 Check the device鈥檚 security software to make sure it's running the latest version.
- Enable two-factor authentication 鈥 Provide two different methods of personal authentication to verify identity.
- Install an anti-spyware program 鈥 Download and run a trusted听 program to diagnose and remove any malicious code.
- Remove suspicious files 鈥 Examine files and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious programs, icons or documents.
- Run manual scans 鈥 Regularly scan devicse to manually check for different types of spyware.
After these steps, it鈥檚 important to check the status of devices. Perform a manual scan of devices using a trusted security program to ensure all traces of the spyware is removed from phone, tablet, computer or any other devices.
How can spyware be prevented?
Fortunately, people can reduce the risk of infection and improve their overall听network security. For example, don鈥檛 click on a link in an email unless the sender is known and the link is proven to be trusted. Always check the email address of the sender (not just the name that may show up).听These strategies can鈥檛 eliminate the risk of spyware, but they can help protect devices and internet connections from spyware that might be waiting.
Practice caution when consenting to cookies
Cookies are pieces of data stored on a web browser to identify a device whenever it visits a new website. While cookies sometimes make browsing more convenient, they can create vulnerability for spyware infection.
Whenever visiting a new website, it鈥檚 important to practice caution when consenting to cookies. Review the website鈥檚 cookies policy, which will outline the custom experience options available to users.
Update software diligently
Updating a device鈥檚 software can help further protect it. For example, security updates for Android and iOS contain upgrades that help defend devices from malicious code. The updates often contain security patches 鈥 solutions for infections that might affect previous operating systems.
Installing software updates rather than putting them off reduces the risk of spyware. Delaying gives hackers more time to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a device鈥檚 programming.
Install an anti-tracking browser extension
Installing an anti-tracking extension in a browser can also help keep the device safe. These programs can protect data by blocking tracking programs. Anti-tracking browser extensions can also disable features that automatically deliver data to third parties.
Even a simple anti-tracking browser extension can help prevent spyware from reaching a device. The extension helps听minimize cookie activity as a user browses the internet, reducing the chance that a system-monitoring program can acquire and deliver their information to a hacker or even to an advertiser.
Education in cybersecurity
Evolving threats to devices and information is a growing concern in the cybersecurity world, and the听future of cybersecurity听will need trained professionals to address these issues.
Aspiring professionals in this specialty of preventing and removing threats first need to learn more about cybersecurity and its various fields. For example, many learners pursue an online technology degree in cybersecurity, software development, cloud computing or a related field. These degree programs help candidates build on-the-job skills and gain valuable experience in the tech industry.
For senior roles, some cybersecurity professionals will also need a more advanced degree. After completing an undergraduate degree, for example, they might also need a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This program helps further develop skills in security policies, system vulnerabilities, software development and other fields.
Are you interested in learning more about spyware?
Whether you鈥檙e seeking to gain IT skills and a basic understanding of cybersecurity threats like spyware or you鈥檙e a working professional looking to expand your knowledge, 果冻视频 offers听online course collections,听certificates听and听degrees.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 果冻视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 果冻视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 果冻视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by 果冻视频's editorial advisory committee.听
Read more about our editorial process.
Get your free IT Program Guide
Learn how 100% of our IT degree and certificate programs align with career-relevant skills.
Get your free IT program guide. Please enter your first and last name.
Thank you
Download your pdf guide now. Or access the link in our email.