As our reliance on technology increases with time, cybercriminals continue to exploit unknowing individuals more and more through their devices. This can be done in a number of ways, with malware being a key method. But malware has a number of subsets, including grayware. So, what is grayware, what does it look like, and is it dangerous?
What Is Grayware?
As the name suggests, grayware programs sit somewhere between harmful and harmless software. While malware is specifically designed to cause damage to a device, this can be, but isn't always, the case for grayware.
Grayware can cover a lot of software; from totally benign, to relatively precarious, depending on what it can do. But what's important to remember here is that grayware programs are usually not as harmful as malware programs (though they can be classed as malware if their effects are damaging enough).
Unlike malware, grayware can also be entirely legal in certain scenarios, but its ability to disrupt a device's operations and cause functional issues is what makes it a lot more dubious than regular software.
Types of Grayware
You may be a little confused here, as the broad spectrum over which grayware can span makes it difficult to understand what it really entails. So, let's discuss some examples of grayware to better understand how it works and whether it has the potential to do a lot of damage.
1. Spyware
Spyware is a commonly-used kind of software that allows a malicious person to spy on an unsuspecting individual or group of individuals. Spyware is designed to track one's activity and retrieve private information without their consent. This private information can then either be exploited directly by the cybercriminal who infected your device with spyware, or sold to other cybercriminals on illicit marketplaces (usually on the dark web).
Spyware is typically installed via an application and can be hidden as something else. Though it can be damaging to an individual's security or privacy, it generally does not harm the victim's device in any way. This is why it's considered to be a kind of grayware.
2. Adware
Adware is another example of grayware that uses aggressively frequent pop-ups on your device. Of course, the goal here is to advertise in the hopes of successfully promoting a company or service. These advertisements can often be noticeably shady. For example, you may see a lot of get-rich-quick schemes if adware is installed on your device.
But adware can also use your IP address and browser activity to tailor ads to your preferences. Targeted advertising is commonly used online, but this rarely involves the installation of malicious software onto one's device.
Adware is often installed unknowingly when you download software from the internet using illicit websites. So, be wary of the content you install onto your device, as this may bring adware (and more) along with it.
3. Madware
Madware (or mobile adware) is another kind of grayware that targets smartphones and tablets. Like typical adware, it also uses advertisements to make a profit from victims and is most prevalent on smartphones and tablets that use Android as their operating system. You can still fall victim to madware when using an iOS device, but this is generally less likely due to the way the software is designed.
If you see any random pop-up ad on your smartphone, it's likely that a madware program has been installed on your device. It's always important to only download legitimate and thoroughly-reviewed apps to avoid this from happening.
Grayware Isn't Always Harmful but Can Pose a Risk
While grayware doesn't always negatively affect you or your devices, it certainly has the ability to. Certain grayware programs can invade your privacy, steal private data, and use your internet activity to sell products or services to you. Be vigilant about what kind of software you install onto your devices, and always ensure that it's being provided by a trusted site or provider.