Spyware facts for kids
Spyware is a type of software that secretly collects information from your computer. It often does this without you even knowing! This information is then usually sent to someone else over the internet.
Often, spyware is used for marketing, like showing you ads based on what you look at online. But it can also be used to steal important information from your computer. One common type is a keylogger. A keylogger records everything you type on your keyboard. This means it can steal sensitive details like your passwords when you log into websites or apps.
The best way to protect yourself from spyware is to use special programs designed to stop it. But you need to be careful! Some websites that claim to offer spyware protection are actually trying to install spyware on your computer instead. This trick is called a Trojan horse. It pretends to be something useful, but when you run it, it secretly installs harmful software like a keylogger. This makes it easy for the person controlling the Trojan horse to collect your passwords and other important data. Spyware can track many things on your computer, including your files, what you download, and your usernames and passwords for different sites.
There's also a special kind of software called myware. This is designed for people to track their own activities, not to spy on others. Myware is mostly used in areas like social media, marketing research, and time tracking to help people understand their own habits.
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What is Spyware?
Spyware is a kind of malware, which is short for "malicious software." It's designed to sneak onto your computer or phone and gather information about you and how you use your device. It works in the background, so you usually don't see it happening.
How Spyware Works
Spyware can collect many different types of information. This might include:
- Which websites you visit
- What you search for online
- Your location
- Your email address
- Your usernames and passwords
- Even what you type on your keyboard
After collecting this data, spyware often sends it over the internet to a person or company that created it. They might use this information to send you targeted ads, or in worse cases, to steal your identity or access your online accounts.
Types of Spyware
There are several different kinds of spyware, each with a slightly different job:
- Adware: This type of spyware mostly tracks your browsing habits to show you specific advertisements. While it might seem harmless, it can slow down your computer and collect personal data.
- System Monitors: These are more serious. They can record almost everything you do on your computer, including emails, instant messages, and programs you open.
- Keyloggers: As mentioned before, these record every key you press on your keyboard. This is very dangerous because it can capture your passwords, credit card numbers, and other private information.
- Trojan Horses: This isn't a type of spyware itself, but a way spyware gets onto your computer. A Trojan horse is a program that looks like something helpful or fun, like a free game or a useful tool. But hidden inside is the spyware, ready to install itself once you run the program.
How to Protect Yourself
It's important to keep your computer and personal information safe from spyware. Here are some tips:
- Use Anti-Spyware Software: Install a good, trusted anti-spyware program. This software can scan your computer, find spyware, and remove it. Make sure to keep it updated!
- Be Careful What You Download: Only download programs, games, or files from websites you trust. Be very careful with free software, especially if it seems too good to be true.
- Read the Fine Print: When you install new software, sometimes spyware is bundled with it. Look closely at the installation options and uncheck anything you don't want.
- Use Strong Passwords: Always use unique and strong passwords for your online accounts. This makes it harder for keyloggers to help someone access your accounts even if they get your password.
- Keep Your Software Updated: Make sure your operating system (like Windows or macOS) and all your web browsers are always up to date. Updates often include security fixes that protect against new threats.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Programa espía para niños
