Section 6.56 Spyware and Bloatware

Question 1

Spyware

Answer 1

Malicious software that is designed to gather and send information about a user or organization without their knowledge

Question 2

Spyware Installation

Answer 2

Bundled with other software

Installed through a malicious website

Installed when users click on a deceptive pop-up advertisement

Question 3

Protect yourself against spyware

Answer 3

To help protect yourself against spyware, you should only use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware tools that are regularly updated detect and remove any potential threats

Question 4

Bloatware

Answer 4

Any software that comes pre-installed on a new computer or smartphone that you, as the user, did not specifically request, want, or need

Bloatware isn’t malicious, but it can…

● waste your storage space
● slow down the performance of your devices
● introduce security vulnerabilities into your systems

Remember, anytime a piece of software is installed, that is one more potential threat vector for an attacker to exploit if you don’t properly update that application

Question 5

Remove Bloatware

Answer 5

To remove bloatware, you can either do the following

● Do a manual removal process

● Use bloatware removal tools to uninstall the unwanted applications

● Perform a clean operating system installation