Articles > Cybersecurity >ÌýHow to prevent and remove spyware
How to prevent and remove spyware
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed byÌýKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,ÌýDean, 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 — 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 thatÌýautomatically displays advertisementsÌýto 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 orÌývisiting an unsecured website. The adware begins to show ads, making revenue for the advertiser or the hacker. These ads are shown without the user’s consent and often require a security process to be deactivated.
Tracking cookies
Tracking cookies are specialized cookie files that can beÌýshared 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 toÌýtrack 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 toÌýtrack 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 — a set of malicious codes — that canÌýcompromise a deviceÌýor data in several ways.
Trojan horses attempt to deceive a device user by looking like aÌýreputable downloadÌýthat, 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 otherÌýitems 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 programsÌýtrack user actionsÌýwhile they use a device. Some systemÌýmonitoring programsÌýtrack keystrokes while others might monitor email, browsing history or a list of the programs used.
System monitoring programs are oftenÌýdisguised as freewareÌý— software that is available for download online at no cost. The downloaded program soon begins to monitor a user’s activity and delivers results to hackers.
How can spyware be removed?
After identifying spyware on a device, it’s time to remove it. This can take time, but it’s 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’s software — Check the device’s security software to make sure it's running the latest version.
- Enable two-factor authentication — Provide two different methods of personal authentication to verify identity.
- Install an anti-spyware program — Download and run a trustedÌý program to diagnose and remove any malicious code.
- Remove suspicious files — Examine files and remove any unfamiliar or suspicious programs, icons or documents.
- Run manual scans — Regularly scan devicse to manually check for different types of spyware.
After these steps, it’s 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 overallÌýnetwork security. For example, don’t 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).ÌýThese strategies can’t 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’s important to practice caution when consenting to cookies. Review the website’s cookies policy, which will outline the custom experience options available to users.
Update software diligently
Updating a device’s 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 — 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’s 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 helpsÌýminimize 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 theÌýfuture of cybersecurityÌýwill 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’re seeking to gain IT skills and a basic understanding of cybersecurity threats like spyware or you’re a working professional looking to expand your knowledge, °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ offersÌýonline course collections,ÌýcertificatesÌýandÌýdegrees.
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 °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ 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,ÌýKathryn Uhles has served °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®ÎÛ´«Ã½, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in °®ÎÛ´«Ã½.
This article has been vetted by °®ÎÛ´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Ìý
Read more about our editorial process.
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