--- title: Can Spyware Be Installed Through Email? Protect Your Business Today description: Installing viruses is much easier for hackers than you think. But, can spyware be installed through email? 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Protect Your Business Today [Next I.T](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/next-i-t) : Sep 19, 2022, 5:21:00 PM A spyware attack is one of the most common cybersecurity attacks among, especially for small businesses. Spyware is a type of malicious software, also known as malware, that is installed on a computer or cell phone without the end user's knowledge. It is able to run in the background while it invades the operating system, stealing sensitive information and internet usage data. It then relays this information to advertisers, data firms, or other external users. ### Table of Contents - How Is Spyware Installed? - Can Spyware Be Installed Through Email? - How to Know if There's Spyware on Your Computer or Phone ## How Is Spyware Installed? ![How Is Spyware Installed?](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_2063795729.jpg?width=2689&name=shutterstock_2063795729.jpg)   Unlike what you may see in your favorite spy movie or detective thriller, spyware doesn't require someone to sit at your desk and quickly hack into the account. [No physical access](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/top-5-remote-security-threats-need-to-know) to your computer, iphone, tablet, or android device is needed at all. Unlike a computer virus that attempts to transmit or copy the software to other computers, spyware does not necessarily spread this same way. Instead, spyware installs itself on a system by deceiving the end user or by [exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/top-11-cyber-security-tips-for-small-businesses). A vast majority of spyware is installed without knowledge. One of the most common deceptive tactics spyware uses is to deceive users by bundling itself with desirable software, even antivirus software. Some spyware infects a system through security holes in the web browser or in other software. The spyware could be on your phone via the hackers sending an email or text message with a fake link. When you click on it and navigate to a specific web page controlled by the spyware author, the page contains code which attacks the browser and forces the download and installation of spyware. You can even install a spy app without realizing it! Everytime you update service or install an app, you're taking a risk. Yes, it could be a spyware app designed to target a phone. Even social media isn't safe! As soon as you create an account, the spyware gets to work. ## Can Spyware Be Installed Through Email? Most computer spyware can be installed remotely, usually by sending an email or message with an attached file or link. The spyware automatically installs when you click on the link or open the attachment. Both android phones and iphones are susceptible to this. ## How to Know if There's Spyware on Your Computer or Phone ![How to Know if There's Spyware on Your Computer or Phone](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_207766680.jpeg?width=5749&name=AdobeStock_207766680.jpeg) As the threat of spyware has grown, so too have the number of techniques to fight it. These include programs designed to remove or block spyware, as well as various user best practices designed to reduce the chance of getting spyware on your operating system. Knowing whether or not you already have spyware isn't simple, though. The thing to do is see how your data use has changed over time and identify any recent spikes. You can read this WikiHow article and follow the steps laid out, or you can bring in professional help. We recommend the second! If you suspect you have spyware on your system, Next I.T. can help remove spyware. If you don't (yet!) have spyware on your device and want to keep it this way, we can help with that too. [Cyber data security](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/cyberattack-security-assessment) is one of our top solutions, and for good reason. [Partnering with our team of cybersecurity experts](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) is the fastest way to [achieve your data protection goals](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/blog/data-protection-in-2022), while freeing your IT staff to return to other mission-critical projects. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![WEB-Valeo-Ebook-7-Mistakes-Youre-Making-Without-It-Support-Mockup-min](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Email%20Assets/Workflows%20and%20Drips/7%20mistakes%20youre%20making%20without%20IT%20support/WEB-Valeo-Ebook-7-Mistakes-Youre-Making-Without-It-Support-Mockup-min.png?width=303&height=209&name=WEB-Valeo-Ebook-7-Mistakes-Youre-Making-Without-It-Support-Mockup-min.png)Download our eBook**7 Mistakes You're Making Without IT Support**by filling out the form below! ## Where You Can Find Us ![icons8-map-marker-64](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/icons8-map-marker-64.png?width=64&height=64&name=icons8-map-marker-64.png) ### KALAMAZOO 5340 Holiday Terrace, Suite 10 Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269-659-3947 #### [866-388-6398](tel:8663886398) ![icons8-map-marker-64](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/icons8-map-marker-64.png?width=64&height=64&name=icons8-map-marker-64.png) ### MUSKEGON 221 W Webster Ave Suite 600 Muskegon, MI 49440 231-739-6398 #### [866-388-6398](tel:8663886398) ![icons8-map-marker-64](https://blog.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/icons8-map-marker-64.png?width=64&height=64&name=icons8-map-marker-64.png) ### TRAVERSE CITY 3139 Logan Valley Road Traverse City, MI 49684 231-739-6398 #### [866-388-6398](tel:8663886398) ##### ABOUT ABOUT With cutting-edge technology and quality customer service, you’ll find everything you need to help your company soar with Valeo Networks. ##### USEFUL LINKS USEFUL LINKS | [Our Services](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/services) [Industries](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/industries) [Home](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com) [Our Story](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/our-story) [Solutions](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/solution-stack/) | [Case Studies](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/blog/tag/case-studies) [Blog](https://nextit-valeonetworks-com/blog) [Support Center](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/support-center) [Contact Us](http://nextit-valeonetworks-com/contact-us) | | --- | --- | ##### GET IN TOUCH GET IN TOUCH 221 W. 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