What distinguishes spyware from adware?

Spyware is specifically designed to capture sensitive data from a user's device without their knowledge or consent. This can include login credentials, personal information, or even financial details. The primary goal of spyware is to monitor user activity, gather information, and often send this data back to a third party, typically for malicious purposes such as identity theft or unauthorized access.

In contrast, adware primarily focuses on delivering advertisements to users, often in the form of pop-ups or banners, usually for commercial gain. While adware can sometimes collect user data, its main function is to generate revenue through advertisements rather than specifically targeting sensitive information.

Moreover, the aspect of user consent is also significant, as many adware applications often provide clear, albeit sometimes misleading, consent agreements that allow users to opt in or out before installation, while spyware typically operates in stealth mode. Lastly, while various malware types can spread through methods like file sharing, this characteristic is not defining for spyware, as it can be installed through different means without tying it specifically to file sharing practices.

Overall, the distinction is clear; spyware's key characteristic is its focus on capturing sensitive data clandestinely, making it particularly dangerous in terms of user privacy and security.