Spyware is malicious software designed to collect data from mobile devices without the user’s knowledge or consent. Spyware can be installed onto a phone through various methods, such as downloading and installing malicious applications, clicking on suspicious links, or having physical access to the device.
Once installed, spyware can track a user’s location, record phone calls and intercept text messages, monitor browsing history, access contacts, and emails, and activate the phone’s camera and microphone. These vulnerabilities pose severe privacy and security risks because the data collected by spyware could be used for illicit activities like identity theft, blackmail, or espionage.
To prevent spyware infiltration, it is essential to regularly upgrade the operating system and security software on your phone, avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, and be wary when clicking links or downloading attachments from untrusted sources to guard against spyware attacks.