Spyware is a type of malicious software that is covertly installed on a user’s ordinateur[1]. Originating in 1995 for espionage purposes, it was popularized by Gregor Freund in 2000. The main types include adware, system monitors, tracking cookies, and trojans. Its primary roles involve hacking, avoiding detection, and removal, often used to steal personal information, deliver unwanted pop-up ads, and interfere with user control. It spreads either through deceiving the user or exploiting software vulnerabilities. The threats of spyware have led to the emergence of an anti-spyware industry, with various programs designed to detect and remove such threats. Despite the existence of these remedies, spyware remains a costly problem. It has been linked to identity theft and financial losses, raising significant legal concerns.
Logiciels espions (a portmanteau pour spying software) is any logiciel with malicious behavior that aims to gather information about a person or organization and send it to another entity in a way that harms the user by violating their vie privée, endangering their device's security, or other means. This behavior may be present in malware and in legitimate software. Websites may engage in spyware behaviors like web tracking. Hardware devices may also be affected.
Spyware is frequently associated with publicité and involves many of the same issues. Because these behaviors are so common, and can have non-harmful uses, providing a precise definition of spyware is a difficult task.
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