
One way a spyware program may get to your device is by exploiting the device’s Bluetooth connection. Text messages, for example, can be used to infect your smartphone with a malicious spyware program. Spyware is not an exception as mobile devices can be infected with spyware as well.

Can mobile devices be infected with spyware?Īlthough some might think that their mobile devices are safe from malicious software, this sadly is not the case. Rather, spyware aims to get the user to install it without them knowing. However, unlike a virus or a computer worm, spyware programs do not try to spread from one device to another. If you have spyware on your device, it’s likely there’s other malware too. Spyware can also utilize software vulnerabilities, especially in browsers to get in. In reality, these seemingly free programs can come at the price of malicious software designed to monitor you and collect sensitive data without your consent. You should be especially wary of free software that can be downloaded online at no cost. Quite often spyware is a Trojan and gets on your device when you install another program. The most common way to get infected with malware is through email attachments and links. Spyware software can also save what you type on your mobile device. Although keyloggers are not illegal by design, they can be used as spyware to steal your valuable information. By collecting a user’s keystrokes, a keylogger can easily steal passwords, bank account numbers and other valuable information. Keyloggers track everything you write on your computer’s keyboard. Once a spyware program is in, it can spy on you and steal your data in various ways. Constant pop-up ads and slowing down of the device are signs that your computer or phone may be infected with malicious spyware. You might see more ads and pop-ups on your device and browser. It can also alter your device’s security settings and download more malware. Spyware often slows down your system and connection. In the first half of 2020, 18 out of the 20 most common malware detected by F‑Secure were able to steal data. It can also be used to identify potential targets for further attacks.


Additionally, governments, advertisers and criminals can use spyware for surveillance. Some of the most common types of data spyware steals are:Ĭriminals can use this information for account takeover and identity theft. While many programs collect information about you, spyware does so without your consent and knowledge. It then passes the information to its masters. Spyware infects your device and spies on what you do.
