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Know the warning signs of spyware on your devices. (Photo: Getty)
What is spyware — and how can you protect yourself?
You may have heard about the controversial Pegasus spyware in the news, which reportedly hacked thousands of iPhones across the globe without users even realizing that their smartphones had been infiltrated. So what, exactly, is spyware in general, and how can you protect yourself and your devices?
Spyware is unwanted software that takes over your computing device, steals sensitive information and internet usage data, and can be classified as malware. Spyware is malicious software that can steal your passwords and credit card numbers or even capture your identity.
Here are some signs your computer might have a spyware problem:
Your devices crash unexpectedly or are slower than usual
The hard drive on your device has run out of space
Pop-ups appear whether you are online or offline
So what can you do? Using secure passwords and updating your devices can help since some spyware can install additional software and change your device’s settings. Also, change your password regularly and alert your bank to suspicious activity.
Shop it: Norton Security Online, 30-day free trial, then $4.99 a month, subscriptions.yahoo.com
Your data, on the open market.
With cybercriminals mining personal information, data brokers are on the rise. Data brokers are “any business that makes the majority of their revenue from sales of data about individuals that they don’t directly interact with themselves,” Rob Shavell, co-founder and chief executive officer of the cybersecurity firm DeleteMe, tells Yahoo Life.
However, it’s important to note that data brokering isn’t illegal, as much information can be found through public records, credit reports, and street photos. “Data brokers collect and sell private data on approximately 97 percent of U.S. adults, according to Abine’s [an online privacy company] recent estimates,” Shavell says. “The more data points available, and the more ways data can be cross-referenced, the more valuable profiles become, and the more privacy concerns arise.”
How to maintain more privacy online
Installing antivirus software like Norton Security Online helps protect your system from viruses, spyware, malware, and cyber threats. The Norton Antivirus software stack protects against the latest viruses, ransomware, and malware attacks before they reach your device.
Shop it: Norton Security Online, 30-day free trial, then $4.99 a month, subscriptions.yahoo.com
There are other steps you can take to protect yourself. Don’t open emails from unknown senders — and if you open a suspicious email, don’t click any links. Only download files from trustworthy sources; don’t click on pop-up ads. In addition, think twice before using open Wi-Fi. Despite the encryption on our phones and tablets, we frequently use available wireless networks that are easily hacked and can be used for monitoring.
Also, log out more often. For example, social media and shopping websites often ask if you want to remain logged in. The answer should be no — and here’s why: Sure, it’s convenient, but the truth is that it can make your information vulnerable to hackers. So be sure to log out of any online services to prevent hackers from potentially accessing your personal information.
Shop it: Norton Security Online, 30-day free trial, then $4.99 a month, subscriptions.yahoo.com
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