What is the main purpose of spyware?

The main purpose of spyware is to monitor user actions without consent. This type of software is designed to secretly gather information from a user's device, such as browsing habits, keystrokes, and personal details, often without the user's knowledge. Spyware operates stealthily in the background, making it difficult for users to detect that they are being monitored.

Unlike software that enhances system performance, protects against unauthorized access, or compresses data, spyware specifically targets privacy invasions for the purpose of data theft or tracking user behavior. This can lead to serious security risks, including identity theft and the unauthorized sharing of sensitive information. Understanding the role of spyware is crucial in the field of cybersecurity, especially in terms of implementing measures to protect user privacy and data integrity.