2.4 Spyware and Bloatware

Question 1

Spyware

Answer 1

Malware that spies on you. Advertising, identity theft, affiliate fraud.

Can trick you into installing. Peer to peer, fake security software.

Browser monitoring. Capture surfing habits.

Keyloggers. Capture every keystroke. Send your keystrokes back to the attacker.

Question 2

Protecting against spyware

Answer 2

Maintain your anti-virus/anti malware. Always have the latest signatures.

Always know what you’re installing. And watching your options during the installations.

Where’s your backup? You might need it someday. Cleaning adware isn’t easy.

Run some scans- Malwarebytes.

Question 3

Bloatware

Answer 3

A new computer or phone. Includes the operating system and important apps.

Also includes applications you didn’t expect and often don’t need.

Apps are installed by the manufacturer. You don’t get a choice.

Uses valuable storage space. May also add to overall resource usage. The system may be slower than expected. Could open your system to exploits.

Question 4

Removing Bloatware

Answer 4

Identify and remove- This may be easier said than done.

Use the built-in uninstaller. Works for most applications.

Some apps have their own unfamiliar. That’s how bad they are.

Third party uninstallers and cleaners. Probably not the first option. Always have a backup.