spyware

noun spy·ware \ ˈspī-ˌwer \

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

See spyware defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of spyware from the Web

Three messaging apps in the Google Play Store contained a spyware called SonicSpy, according to mobile security firm Lookout.

— thomas oide, sacbee, "Android spyware found in more than 1,000 apps, three apps from Google Play Store," 13 Aug. 2017
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.

— dan goodin, Ars Technica, "Stealthy Google Play apps recorded calls and stole e-mails and texts," 27 July 2017
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.

— jeff john roberts, Fortune, "Mexico Bought iPhone Spying Software to Track Human Rights Investigators," 11 July 2017
The links were consistent with NSO spyware, Citizen Lab found.

— chicagotribune.com, "Spyware sold to Mexican government was used to target experts investigating missing students," 10 July 2017
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.

— azam ahmed, Alaska Dispatch News, "Spyware sold to Mexican government targeted investigators of student disappearances," 10 July 2017
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.

— vernon silver, Bloomberg.com, "The Hackers Russia-Proofing Germany’s Elections," 27 June 2017
Police said Cid Torrez installed spyware on his wife’s cell phone to track her movements.

— rafael olmeda, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Miramar mom's body never found but murder trial is moving ahead," 23 June 2017
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.

— christopher sherman, The Seattle Times, "Report: Mexican journalists, activists targeted with spyware," 19 June 2017

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.