CyberGuard dictionary / Malware
Spyware
Software that secretly collects information or monitors activity without proper authorization.
In simple terms
Spyware watches or collects information from a device without the user agreeing to it.
Technical explanation
It can capture browsing activity, credentials, or other sensitive data, sometimes as part of a larger malware infection.
Collection may occur through browser extensions, device software, or another malware component. Investigators examine what information the program could access and when it transmitted data, then revoke affected credentials.
Examples in practice
An infected laptop sends saved account credentials to an attacker.
A laptop extension quietly records visited pages and sends them to an outside server. The team removes it, checks browser permissions, and rotates credentials that may have been exposed.
Why it matters
Early detection and device hygiene can limit data exposure.
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Sources and further reading
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.