Spyware

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 Spyware 

It’s no secret that spyware attacks continue to occur with alarming frequency. But if you’re a high-profile figure, you’re likely a bigger target. In May of 2021, officials announced that bad actors had targeted the cellphones of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Defense Minister Margarita Robles in several attacks using the Pegasus spyware, resulting in significant data theft from both devices while wreaking havoc on Spain’s administrators and government systems.

What you need to know: Spyware is a type of malware that aims to gather personal or organizational data, track or sell a victim’s web activity (e.g., searches, history and downloads), capture bank account information and even steal a target’s identity. Multiple types of spyware exist, and each one employs a unique tactic to track the victim. Ultimately, spyware can take over a device, exfiltrating data or sending personal information to another unknown entity without prior knowledge or consent.

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