Spyware is used for many purposes. Usually it aims to track and sell your internet usage data, capture your credit card or bank account information, or steal your personal identity. How? Spyware monitors your internet activity, tracking your login and password information, and spying on your sensitive information.

A total of 978 million people in 20 countries were affected by cybercrime in 2017, according to Norton Cyber Security Insights Report Global Results.

Victims of cybercrime globally lost approximently $172 billion.

There are four main types of spyware. Each uses unique tactics to track you.

• Adware. This type of spyware tracks your browser history and downloads, with the intent of predicting what products or services you’re interested in. The adware will display advertisements for the same or related products or services to entice you to click or make a purchase. Adware is used for marketing purposes and can slow down your computer.
• Trojan. This kind of malicious software disguises itself as legitimate software. For example, Trojans may appear to be a Java or Flash Player update upon download. Trojan malware is controlled by third parties. It can be used to access sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and credit card information.
• Tracking cookies. These track the user’s web activities, such as searches, history, and downloads, for marketing purposes.
• System monitors. This type of spyware can capture just about everything you do on your computer. System monitors can record all keystrokes, emails, chat-room dialogs, websites visited, and programs run. System monitors are often disguised as freeware.

Spyware can affect PCs, Macs, and iOS or Android devices. Although Windows operating systems may be more susceptible to attacks, attackers are becoming better at infiltrating Apple’s operating systems as well. Some of the most common ways your computer can become infected with spyware include these:

• Accepting a prompt or pop-up without reading it first
• Downloading software from an unreliable source
• Opening email attachments from unknown senders
• Pirating media such as movies, music, or games

Spyware can be difficult to recognize on your device. By its nature, it’s meant to be deceptive and hard to find. But there are clues that can help you identify whether you’ve been infected by spyware. You may have a spyware issue if your computer shows these symptoms.

• Your device is slow or crashes unexpectedly.
• Your device is running out of hard drive space.
• You get pop-ups when you are online or offline.

BlackSwan Digital Forensics has a 99% success ratio when it comes to removing spyware. If you think your device is infected with spyware, run a scan with your current security software to make sure it has cleaned up everything it can.  If you are lost, please just call us and we will walk you through the process 24/7/365 (833) 270-4400

Here are four main steps to help prevent spyware.

● Don’t open emails from unknown senders.
● Don’t download files from untrustworthy sources.
● Don’t click on pop-up advertisements.
● Use reputable antivirus software.

Spyware can be harmful, but it can be removed and prevented by being cautious and using an antivirus tool.

If you’ve been infected with spyware, take steps to remove it. Be proactive by changing your passwords and notifying your bank to watch for fraudulent activity.

Spyware authors have historically concentrated on the Windows platform because of its large user base when compared to the Mac. However, the industry has seen a big jump in Mac Spyware since 2017, the majority of which is spyware. Although spyware authored for the Mac has similar behaviors as the Windows variety, most of the Mac spyware attacks are either password stealers or general-purpose backdoors. In the latter category, the spyware’s malicious intent includes remote code execution, keylogging, screen captures, arbitrary file uploads and downloads, password phishing, and so on.

Not Really.  Mobile spyware hides undetected in the background on a mobile device. Then has the ability to steal information such as incoming/outgoing SMS messages, incoming/outgoing call logs, contacs, emails, web browser history, and all photos. Mobile spyware can also potentially log your keystrokes, record anything within the distance of your device’s microphone, secretly take pictures in the background, and track your device’s location using GPS. In some cases, spyware apps can even control devices via commands sent by SMS messages and/or remote servers. The spyware can send your stolen information via data transfer to a remote server or through email.

Black Swan Digital Forensics has over 30 years expereience, a team of professionals, and patent pending software to remove spyware with their Remote Extraction Machine. 

Spyware makes you vulnerable to the following cyber attacks!