Security

3 Spyware Red Flags to Consider Before Clicking

Spyware is a type of malware that’s installed onto your operating system without your knowledge. It’s usually designed to “spy” on you and steal your information — your passwords, your Social Security number, and the like — but it can also be used to track your whereabouts in some cases. Spyware can be a big problem on smartphones. Use Full Virus Scan to check for and eliminate spyware and other types of malware from your phone. Click here to run a scan of all your files and programs for all types of malware:

Spyware is designed to trace you, but how is it installed in the first place? Often, spyware is downloaded onto your system as a piggyback to a program you choose to download. Spyware can also be downloaded when it masquerades as free security software. In other words, you can prevent spyware by making sure you’re careful about what programs you’re downloading. The following are three red flags you should pay attention to when downloading a program.

An anti-malware program overestimates the number of viruses on your device.

Familiarize yourself with PSafe’s malware scanning. Antivirus services will never send you pop ups when you’re browsing a website and then tell you that your computer or device is infected with dozens of viruses. If an anti-malware site pops up and tells you your computer is infected with more than one or two viruses, you can be sure that the program would download spyware onto your system.

An email suggests you download the program.

Often, an email that asks you to download a new program is spam. Because most email providers have anti-spam measures in place, reputable companies don’t use emails to advertise their products.

The program doesn’t have a legitimate end-user licensing agreement.

While most people don’t read these end-user licensing agreements (EULA) before installing programs, sometimes these EULAs describe their intentions clearly in the end licensing agreement. For example, one EULA said that the user’s computer was the company’s property after the program download and said it would disable the user’s ability to un-download the program. Read the EULA: it might tell the truth.

These are some of the biggest markers that a program may download spyware onto your device. As always, be cautious when clicking links and adding new programs, and you’ll be much more likely to keep your system protected from threats.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.