Spyware

The term is made up of the English word “spy” and the word part “-ware” from software. It refers to programs that spy on user or computer data and send it to third parties. German translations for the term spyware include snooping software, spy program and spy software.

What does the term spyware mean in detail?

Spyware is often used to spy on user behavior on the Internet. This data is then used to select and display online advertisements, for example. Background: the more targeted the online advertising, the more expensive the corresponding advertising space can be sold. Practically any additional information about a user means a higher price. Spyware is often contained in free software, e.g. in screensavers or additional programs. The information is usually hidden in the license terms, e.g. as “automatic communication functions”. Spyware can also be distributed via worms and Trojans or enter a computer system via security vulnerabilities. Authoritarian regimes sometimes use these methods to spy on political dissidents. Many spyware programs are technically very cleverly designed so that they are particularly difficult to remove.

Where do I encounter spyware in my day-to-day work?

In everyday working life, you may notice spyware through targeted online advertising. For example, you may be shown products that you have previously viewed in an online store. Or your computer works more slowly than usual, especially when you are browsing the Internet. To prevent company-sensitive data from being spied on as well as your user data, you should check your computer for spyware or have it checked.

What can I do to protect myself from spyware?

You can take the following steps to protect yourself against spyware:

• Deactivate the execution of active content (e.g. Adobe Flash, Java) in the browser
• If possible, do not accept cookies and if you do, then only “from visited pages”
• In addition, all general cyber security measures, including very good update hygiene, use of firewalls and antivirus software, smart handling of administrator rights, critical
• Checking links and attachments in e-mails, etc.

Attention! If you receive a warning while surfing the Internet that your computer is infected with viruses, spyware or similar, ignore it. Especially if you are also offered a program to remove the alleged infection. Ironically, this is probably malware. Check your computer, but only with programs whose origin you know beyond doubt.

In the event of a suspected infection Due to the high technical level of many spyware programs, we recommend the use of special programs to detect and remove spyware.