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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Windows If you are bombarded with pop-up ads, first run a scan with anti-spyware software to double-check.
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Windows If you are bombarded with pop-up ads, first run a scan with anti-spyware software to double check.
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Since personal information can also be stolen from computers, the use of anti-virus and anti-spyware software is essential, according to police.
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This enables installation of spyware, which exposes everything from personal documents and photos to financial information and passwords.
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Miami’s police force, which purchased the software a little over a year ago, is the latest South Florida police department to join the growing wave of cellphone spyware users.
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Police suspect there was spyware on the woman’s computer that allowed the suspect to have access and enable pop-up messages.
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In the face of those challenges, police departments around the country have increasingly turned to what some critics have dubbed cellphone spyware.
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Other data also points to the intelligence agency: the report said the internet protocol addresses of the spyware's control panels mapped to an area just south of the GDGS building.
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
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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