Spyware or spying software is as it's name implies. It is software that actively gathers information about an individual or an organisation without their knowledge that may send such information to another entity without consent.
There are four types of spying software namely adware, system monitora, Trojans and tracking cookies.
Most people are familiar with tracking cookies and adware. Tracking cookies are used to gather information across two unrelated websites or to present customised data to the internet user. Most websites use tracking cookies and notice is given to users upon opening a website that uses such. These are advantageous with regards to shopping history and browsing preferences.
Adware is another spying software usually encountered. Its what results in banners and ad pop ups appearing automatically when a user is online.
As it's name states, system monitors are used to monitor the performance of a computer system.
Lastly, Trojans are a malicious software that are used for purposes of accessing and stealing user information such as personal identification, bank details, passwords and logins.
The good side of spying software
Spying software has attracted negative reviews over the past few years. Some good has come to light in recent years. One of those been the customised browsing experiences.
It however has had major success lately with parents and corporate organisations. With the increasing fears of children having uncensored access to the internet, many parents have applauded the coming of spying software that gives them access to their children's phones and internet activities.
Unfettered access to the internet can result in children been lured into unsavory activities and can also lead to kidnapping etc. we look
at hoverware and how it addresses such ills.
Monitors and records all calls taking note of the date, time, duration, type of call as well as the place of the call. This could be used to actively help in missing children cases or runaways. this could result in fewer open cases of missing children.
View all sms's and mms's. This can be used to monitor unsavory behavior, especially with the onset of online friendships and catfishing. Parents would be able to view such messages and terminate untoward relationships at an early stage.
View and monitor all social media activities such as Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp and Snapchat. Most children and adults spend a majority of their time online. Be it uploading pics, sharing stories etc. Having access to such would enable parents to be aware of what exactly their child is up to. It helps give insight into to mind of the child. In line with the text and MMS monitoring, companies also find these tools useful to monitor and ensure corporate secrets are not been communicated by staff to persons outside the organisation
Saves all contacts
Tracks the to do list. This enables them to monitor what activities the children or employees may be up to. As well as to determine the status on certain tasks/ projects.
Tracks camera activity
Monitors the phone internet history.
GPS tracking. It allows parents to always know where there children are as they are able to track the device on which the spying software is installed at all times.
The best thing is that the child would be unaware of this invasion and the parent would be able to maintain their relationship with their child whilst maintaining oversight over them.
Current status on spying software
With regards the current use or place of spying software in our world. There are both pro's and cons to it. The recent Facebook and Google scandal revealed just how much personal information is available out there. Many people are becoming wiser and are placing restrictions on applications and other sites to prevent important personal information from been available on the net.
With the multiple changes in tide towards spying software, it also needs mentioning the steps taken to mitigate against the use of spying software.
Many variations of anti-spyware exist on the market. These are actively used to scan all incoming data and to detect and remove any existing spyware on a system. As such, it would be best for every parent or concerned user to know about spying software and how it affects them both for the better or the worse. As well as to equip them with the tools to manage and go about the use of the spying software on their current computing and mobile systems. In a digital focused universe, spyware has its virtues and vices.
