Mobile phone users often download apps and visit websites that can gather information about them and download their vital user data. These apps are known as spyware or stalkerware apps and can be dangerous, depending on how they use the information.

Spyware apps can also easily track users’ location and download photos without their consent. If used maliciously, there can be grave consequences. To prevent this and protect yourself against spyware, continue reading and use VPNgeniX’s antivirus with VPN to detect spyware.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is malicious software that can track your activity on a mobile device or computer. It gathers, downloads, and records your information. This information can be transmitted or sold to parties who have malicious intent.

Spyware apps can screen or screenshot, record you through your webcam or microphone, and download your private photos and chats. It can also steal your passwords, credit card credentials, bank account details, and other sensitive personal data.

Types of Spyware

Before we protect ourselves against spyware, let’s learn about the different types.

• Hardware-Based: This type of spyware tracks your activity on your desktop, phone, tablet, or laptop. This could be a hidden microphone or camera.
• Software-Based: These are spyware applications installed on your smartphone or devices. Because these apps are well-hidden, people are unaware that they’re being recorded or that their information is stolen.
• Web Trackers: This type of spyware infiltrates your browsers through websites. Many sites have sneaky packages, which are spyware added to their code, tracking each user’s activity.

Problems Caused by Spyware

Spyware apps are incredibly dangerous—if your device has been infected, it can cause many problems. Here are some common problems caused:

Identity Fraud and Data Theft

A hacker stealing your personal information can use it for identity fraud. They can pretend to be you on any platform, including problematic websites. They can also use your bank account information for online shopping or banking. This information can be sold to third parties who might use it directly.

Computer Damages

Spyware commonly damages a computer or mobile phone. You might have to reboot your device to get rid of spyware completely. If you don’t, it can drain your systems and destroy the processing power, memory, and network bandwidth. Your applications can start lagging, causing severe damage.

How to Protect Yourself from Spyware

Here are some ways you can protect yourself from spyware. You can prevent it if you’re cautious and work with the best antivirus with VPN service providers. Finding reliable internet security solutions which high malware detection capabilities are the key.

• Don’t consent to shady or suspicious websites asking to use cookies. All websites will ask for your permission; however, they only accept trusted websites.
• Install anti-trackers for your browsers. These browsers will ensure that no website or app can track your internet activity.
• Keep your software updated to avoid any system vulnerabilities or weak security patches.
• Stay away from free software or apps. Most free apps will benefit from your private or sensitive data by selling it to third parties.
• An antivirus with VPN can help you out and protect you from any malware, including spyware.

Visit VPNgeniX today to check out our antivirus solutions available. If you’re looking for VPN service providers for android or MacOS, check us out. We have secure VPN servers online, like AVG technologies and Express VPN, for enhanced protection and encrypted internet connections.

Reach out to us today.