Definition of spyware
:software that is installed in a computer without the user's knowledge and transmits information about the user's computer activities over the Internet
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Recent Examples of spyware from the Web
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Three messaging apps in the Google Play Store contained a spyware called SonicSpy, according to mobile security firm Lookout.
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Those apps were related to the advanced iOS spyware known as Pegasus, which was used against a political dissident located in the United Arab Emirates.
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The spyware in question, known as Pegasus, is directed at iPhones and is activated if a target clicks on a link sent by text message.
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The links were consistent with NSO spyware, Citizen Lab found.
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Since 2011, Mexico has purchased at least $80 million worth of the spyware, which is sold exclusively to governments, and only on the condition that it be used against terrorists and criminals.
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Spokesman Neumann, who has testified before Germany’s Parliament a half-dozen times, made his most recent appearance before the legislature on June 1, during a hearing on a proposed law that would govern police use of the spyware.
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Police said Cid Torrez installed spyware on his wife’s cell phone to track her movements.
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MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican journalists, lawyers and activists were targeted by spyware produced by Israel’s NSO Group that is sold exclusively to governments, according to an internet watchdog group’s investigation published Monday.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spyware.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of spyware
1994
SPYWARE Defined for English Language Learners
spyware
play
noun
Definition of spyware for English Language Learners
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: computer software that secretly records information about the way you use your computer
Learn More about spyware
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Nglish: Translation of spyware for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spyware
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