6 Common Types of Spyware Businesses Must Know

Today, software has become a go-to tool for cybercriminals to incur financial and reputational damages to organizations and individuals. Such technology used for malicious purposes is called malware. There are dozens of types of malware, and among these, spyware is one of the most dangerous.

Malware is malicious software designed and exploited to access a system and monitor its activity. It helps digital criminals steal confidential data, credentials, and other sensitive records. It also exists in many forms. For instance, stalkerware can assist in stalking a person’s activity on their personal devices. Then, there are keyloggers used to gather private information and credentials.

This article will shed light on the six common types of spyware businesses must know. So, keep scrolling to learn more.

Spyware: Top Types You Must Watch Out For

The advancements in digital technology have opened ways for cybercrimes. One such instrument is spyware, which can facilitate unauthorized access to your networks and computers. It exists in many different kinds, including adware and trojans. You might also be surprised to know that rootkit and browser hijackers are also common kinds of spyware.

Let’s talk about the top types of spyware you must watch out for:

Stalkerware

In the past, famous people used to be afraid of their stalkers. As technology has evolved, malicious actors have developed software for this purpose. Known as stalkerware, this tool provides them with the opportunity to track a target device’s activity and location. That is why it is a menacing type of spyware.

According to a report, only in the year 2023 alone, about 31,000 smartphone users reported stalkerware attacks. The number has only increased since then. You need to focus on strengthening your cybersecurity infrastructure by seeking help from an expert to avoid these threats. People contact reputable cybersecurity companies in Dubai for this purpose.

Keyloggers

It is one of the most challenging forms of spyware to detect. It can work in a surprising way to wreak havoc on your organization. Generally, people think that anything they type on keyboards is protected. However, with keyloggers, you might want to revisit this concept.

Also called keystroke logger, this software can be exploited to record all of the keyboard depressions you might perform. You can unintentionally download keyloggers on different entry points. These include files, emails, and software. A successful attack might result in the theft of credentials and other critical data.

Adware

No one likes pop-up ads when browsing a website or watching a favorite video on YouTube. Along with their disturbing appearance, there is another more critical reason why you should dislike them. Did you know that malicious actors can use these ads as spyware to fulfill their sinister agendas?

Although not all types of adware are malicious and used for criminal activity, they can still pose a big danger. These can work by displaying blinking pop-up windows, auto-play ads, big banners, and deceptive advertisements. Their main objective is to redirect an individual to a harmful website.

Trojans

Not all programs straightforwardly look malicious. Some have the ability to camouflage. Superficially, you might think of them as legitimate, harmless kinds of software. In reality, they possess the potential to create chaos. One of the most common examples of these tools is trojans.

Their ability to deceive you stems from the fact that trojan horses usually come hidden in seemingly non-dangerous programs like common applications and games. There are several consequences of a successful trojan attack. These vary from disrupting your networks to stealing confidential records.

 Rootkit

This is another form of malware that often goes undetected. People often end up downloading rootkits because these are disguised as normal files. That is why, even powerful anti-virus software cannot detect them. A rootkit software serves numerous malicious purposes, including:

·         Introduction of additional software to your systems

·         System codes or file deletion

·         Eavesdropping to steal information

·         Altered configuration settings

·         Reputational and financial damages

For this reason, you must be vigilant to safeguard your networks and systems from these threats. Opting for a robust cybersecurity solution is the best way to do so. You can reach out to professionals at cybersecurity companies in Dubai to achieve the milestone.

Browser Hijackers

As the name suggests, a browser hijacker is a type of spyware that can hijack your browser. The usage of web browsers like Google Chrome is common in the workplace. Particularly in the IT industry, using these applications is a necessity. This is where hijackers come into the scene.

It can directly target an internet browser and the activity you perform on this platform. It can serve a multitude of objectives for a cybercriminal. For instance, they can exploit hijackers to redirect you or an employee to a dangerous website. Similarly, other purposes might include financial gains and reputational damages.

Want to Steer Clear of Spyware Attacks?

The world of cybercrime has evolved due to tools like spyware. It has multiple types used for varying goals. These include stalkerware, keyloggers, adware, trojan, and rootkit. Any of these malicious software can wreak havoc on your business. Contact an esteemed cybersecurity firm now if you want to steer clear of spyware attacks.