steal sensitive information of the user that is kept on the infected device.

Blackmail/Sextortion: Attackers may use creepware to record explicit pictures and videos of the victim. Later, the attackers may use them to extort money from the victim or commit sexual crimes.

Trolling: Attackers may use creepware to open strange and shocking pornographic pictures or videos on the device, display abusive messages, or damage the device for their amusement.

Perpetrating DoS Attacks: Creepware may even be used to exploit the computing resources of the victim’s device for perpetrating DoS or Denial of Service Attacks, etc.

How to prevent creepware?

If we are cautious enough and take a few steps as preventive measures, we can prevent creepware.

• Do not click on any dubious link if you are not very sure about the authenticity of the link.
• Do not open an email attachment if you are not very sure about the sender.
• Keep your devices always up to date with recent patches of anti-malware programs.
• Configuring proper firewalls on a device is always a good option.
• Keep your browser and other commonly used software up to date with recent security patches. Very often attackers exploit security vulnerabilities present in the commonly used software to infect the device.
• Keep your Operating Systems updated with recent security patches.
• Do not download any software from untrusted sources.
• It is always a piece of good advice not to use Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Software like BitTorrent or to take proper precautions.
• Last but not least, it is a piece of good advice to use tape to cover the webcam of a device if you are not using the webcam.

So, beware of various malware and stay safe and secure.

This article gives a brief overview of creepware. Interested readers who want to learn more about how various malware and cyberattacks work may want to refer to the book “A Guide To Cyber Security.”