: software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user's knowledge and that transmits information about the user's activities
Jan should scan her computer for viruses, worms, and spyware …—
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph Stair
Kenneth Baldauf and Ralph StairSmartphones belonging to more than three dozen journalists, human rights activists, and business executives have been infected with powerful spyware that an Israeli firm sells, purportedly to catch terrorists and criminals, The Washington Post and other publications reported.—Dan Goodin
Dan GoodinExamples of spyware in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While examining the spyware samples, Lookout also uncovered the use of the Starlink name.
—PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
In January, a WhatsApp official said Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions had targeted scores of its users, including journalists and members of civil society.
—Courtney Rozen, USA Today, 23 June 2025
And from a personal perspective, the key takeaway from Google’s latest research is spyware.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
When millions of users unknowingly install spyware under the impression that it has been vetted and approved, the issue is no longer just about bad actors.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spyware
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PC Magazine, 21 July 2025
In January, a WhatsApp official said Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions had targeted scores of its users, including journalists and members of civil society.
—Courtney Rozen, USA Today, 23 June 2025
And from a personal perspective, the key takeaway from Google’s latest research is spyware.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
When millions of users unknowingly install spyware under the impression that it has been vetted and approved, the issue is no longer just about bad actors.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spyware
Cite this Entry
“Spyware.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spyware. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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