spyware

noun

spy·ware ˈspī-ˌwer

: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities

Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …—

Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair

Smartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.—

Dan Goodin

Examples of spyware in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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As a result, malware like Trojan downloaders, spyware, and ransomware has become a staple in phishing campaigns. —

Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 Pegasus is a spyware developed by NSO Group, a company that sells it only to government agencies and law enforcement. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Sep. 2024 The only guy fully on the ball is Ronan Farrow, who told the Daily Show audience that the easiest way to beat most spyware is just to do a hard restart of your phone every day. —

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024 The film reveals that repressive regimes aren’t alone in using spyware to hack into citizens’ cell phones and computers clandestinely; democratic governments are also guilty of spying on unknowing individuals. —

Addie Morfoot, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spyware