---
title: "What is Spyware?"  
description: "What is Spyware?"  
author: "Sandra Emily"  
published: 2022-05-04  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97114/what-is-spyware  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["troubleshooting", "networking", "network-security"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What is Spyware?

What is Spyware?

## Answers

### Answer by Hitesh Vohra

- **Spyware** is a sort of malicious software (also known as malware) that is installed on a [**computer**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/50257/what-would-you-use-to-connect-two-computers-without-using-switches) without the consent of the user. It infiltrates the device, obtains sensitive information and internet usage data, and then distributes it to advertising, data businesses, or other third parties.
- If software is downloaded without the user's permission, it is classified as spyware. Spyware is contentious because, even when installed for seemingly innocuous reasons, it can infringe on the privacy of the end user and be exploited.
- One of the most common risks to internet users is spyware. It monitors internet activity, tracks login passwords, and snoops on sensitive data once installed. Spyware's main purpose is usually to steal credit card numbers, banking information, and passwords.

\

**Read More: [What is the use of a VPN?](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97120/what-is-the-use-of-a-vpn)**


---

Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/97114/what-is-spyware

Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.