Which term describes software that secretly records information about users without their knowledge?

Which term describes software that secretly records information about users without their knowledge?

• A. Malware
• B. Adware
• C. Spyware
• D. Keylogger

Answer: (C)

Software that secretly records information about users without their knowledge is designed to monitor activity and exfiltrate data without visible signs. This behavior is characteristic of spyware, which is built to spy on users and collect details about their browsing, typing, and system usage. A keylogger is a specific type of spyware focused on capturing keystrokes, but spyware is the broader category that includes keystroke logging as well as other hidden data collection methods. Adware mainly presents advertisements and doesn’t inherently covertly collect personal data, and malware is a broad label for any malicious software rather than the exact activity described. So spyware is the best fit.

Software that secretly records information about users without their knowledge is designed to monitor activity and exfiltrate data without visible signs. This behavior is characteristic of spyware, which is built to spy on users and collect details about their browsing, typing, and system usage. A keylogger is a specific type of spyware focused on capturing keystrokes, but spyware is the broader category that includes keystroke logging as well as other hidden data collection methods. Adware mainly presents advertisements and doesn’t inherently covertly collect personal data, and malware is a broad label for any malicious software rather than the exact activity described. So spyware is the best fit.