What term describes malware that secretly gathers information about users without their knowledge?

What term describes malware that secretly gathers information about users without their knowledge?

• A. Malware
• B. Spyware
• C. Virus
• D. Trojan Horse

Answer: (B)

The term describes software that covertly collects information about a user or their activity without permission. Spyware is designed to monitor and transmit data such as keystrokes, browsing history, credentials, or location back to an attacker or third party, all without the user noticing. This hidden data gathering is the defining trait that sets spyware apart from other types of malware. A virus focuses on self-replication and spreading, not specifically on spying. A Trojan Horse hides its true purpose by masquerading as something legitimate, but it isn’t inherently about covert data collection unless it includes spyware as a payload.

The term describes software that covertly collects information about a user or their activity without permission. Spyware is designed to monitor and transmit data such as keystrokes, browsing history, credentials, or location back to an attacker or third party, all without the user noticing. This hidden data gathering is the defining trait that sets spyware apart from other types of malware. A virus focuses on self-replication and spreading, not specifically on spying. A Trojan Horse hides its true purpose by masquerading as something legitimate, but it isn’t inherently about covert data collection unless it includes spyware as a payload.