• Why IRONSCALES
    OUR VALUE
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      Gain protection against advanced email attacks like BEC, ATO, social engineering, and more

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      Turn hours-a-day to minutes-a-month combatting phishing with customizable security automation

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      Triple your org's email security awareness with real-world phishing simulation testing and training

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    Press: New Research

    New Osterman study reveals orgs with high confidence still lack capabilities against QR code attacks

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    Learn how Webhelp saved over 450 SecOp hours and is protecting 36,000 mailboxes

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    IRONSCALES earns 'Fastest Growing Email Security Company' for 3rd straight year

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      Eliminate the risk of ATO with advanced prevention, detection, and response

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      Protect your organization from image-based attacks like malicious QR codes

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      Leverage insights from 20,000+ security analysts in our community for email remediation

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    USE CASE
    • BEC & Executive Impersonation
      BEC & Executive Impersonation

      Stop advanced attacks like BEC, VEC, and VIP impersonation

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      Continuously protect against malicious links and attachments

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      Block attackers from stealing your sensitive business data

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      Prevent, detect, and respond to ATO attacks in real time

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      Decipher image-based attacks from weaponized QR codes

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    FEATURED
    Email Security in the Age of AI
    Email Security in the Age of AI

    Understand the role of AI in fortifying defenses against evolving threats.

    QR Code Phishing
    QR Code Phishing

    QR codes serve as a new bypass method to evade detection.

    The ABCs of MFA
    The ABCs of MFA

    MFA is your digital doorman that keeps the malicious actors at bay.

    Phishing Prevention
    Phishing Prevention

    Dive into our complete 13-chapter guide on phishing prevention best practices

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    Spear Phishing

    Understand the inner workings of highly specialized phishing tactics and how to stop them

    Voice Phishing
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What is Spyware?

Spyware is a type of malicious software that surreptitiously gains access to computer and mobile devices, stealthily capturing users' personal information and activities, which it then transmits to third parties without their knowledge or consent, posing serious privacy and security risks.

Spyware Explained

Spyware is a broad term that encompasses malicious software designed to infiltrate computer devices and mobile devices with the primary intent of gathering data about users without their consent. This data is typically transmitted to a third party, often for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or unauthorized surveillance. While some legitimate software may employ spyware-like tracking tools for commercial purposes like targeted advertising, the term "spyware" is mainly associated with malicious applications that compromise users' privacy and security.

What Does Spyware Do?

Spyware operates stealthily within your computer or mobile device, engaging in various actions without your knowledge or permission. Malicious spyware follows a typical sequence of actions:

  1. Infiltration: Spyware gains access to your device through deceptive means, such as disguising itself within legitimate software downloads, malicious websites, or email attachments.

  2. Monitoring and Data Capture: Once inside your device, spyware actively monitors and captures data, which can include keystrokes, screen captures, browsing habits, and more. It may also record sensitive information like login credentials, PINs, and credit card numbers.

  3. Data Transmission: The stolen data is then transmitted to the spyware's author or a third party, either for direct use or for sale to other malicious actors.

In summary, spyware covertly collects personal and confidential information, making users vulnerable to data breaches and misuse of their private data.

Types of Spyware

Spyware can be categorized into several main types, each with its specific purpose and functionality:

  1. Trojan Spyware: This type of spyware is delivered through Trojan malware, which disguises itself as legitimate software and then deploys the spyware program.

  2. Adware: Adware may track user activities to sell data to advertisers or serve deceptive and potentially harmful advertisements.

  3. Tracking Cookies: Websites can implant tracking cookies on your device to monitor your online activities and behavior across the internet.

  4. System Monitors: System monitors or keyloggers track all activity on a computer, capturing sensitive data such as keystrokes, visited websites, and emails. They are particularly intrusive and pose a significant threat to privacy.

 

How to Remove Spyware

If you suspect your device is infected with spyware, taking swift action is crucial to minimize potential damage:

  1. Scan and Clean: Use robust cybersecurity software to scan and remove malicious files and programs. Ensure your device is entirely free of infection.

  2. Change Passwords: Update your passwords for online accounts, particularly if spyware had access to login credentials.

  3. Notify Financial Services: If your financial information was compromised, notify your bank and credit card providers to prevent fraudulent activity.

  4. Legal Reporting: If spyware affected an organization or resulted in legal or regulatory violations, report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

 

How to Prevent, Detect, and Prevent Spyware

Protecting your devices from spyware requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity:

  1. Security Software: Deploy comprehensive internet security solutions that include anti-malware and antivirus detection, antispam filters, and cloud-based detection.

  2. Secure Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each account, avoid password recycling, and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available.

  3. Cookie Consent: Be selective about granting consent for website cookies, allowing them only from trusted sources.

  4. Browser Extensions: Install anti-tracking browser extensions to prevent online tracking of your activities.

  5. Software Updates: Regularly update your operating system and software to patch vulnerabilities that spyware can exploit.

  6. Be Cautious with Downloads: Download apps only from official app stores and trusted publishers. Be mindful of app permissions, especially those related to data tracking and device control.

  7. Email Vigilance: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in emails from unknown senders, as these are common delivery methods for spyware.

  8. Secure Networks: Use secure, trusted Wi-Fi networks and avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi connections.

By following these practices and maintaining awareness of potential spyware threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of spyware infection and protect your digital privacy and security.


IRONSCALES Protects Against Spyware


IRONSCALES email security offers robust protection against spyware by employing advanced threat detection and prevention mechanisms. It uses AI-driven algorithms and machine learning to analyze email communications in real-time, identifying and blocking suspicious attachments and links that may harbor spyware. Additionally, IRONSCALES employs behavioral analysis to detect anomalies in email behavior, helping to pinpoint potential spyware-related activities. With its automated incident response and remediation capabilities, IRONSCALES swiftly isolates and neutralizes spyware-infected emails, preventing further spread and damage. Overall, IRONSCALES provides comprehensive email security that effectively safeguards organizations from spyware threats, ensuring the privacy and security of their email communications.

Learn more about IRONSCALES advanced anti-phishing platform here. Get a demo of IRONSCALES™ today!  https://ironscales.com/get-a-demo/

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Featured Content

AI in Email Security

This comprehensive Osterman Research study explores the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats and innovative solutions implemented to stay ahead.

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Gartner® Email Security Market Guide

This guide gives email security experts an exclusive access to Gartner® research to ensure their existing solution remains appropriate for the evolving landscape.

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Defending the Enterprise from BEC

Data shows organizations deploy defense-in-depth approaches ineffective at addressing BEC attacks. Discover truly effective strategies in this report.

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