What is Grayware? Is Grayware Dangerous?

As our reliance on technology increases over time, cybercriminals continue to exploit individuals more and more through devices. This can be done in several ways, of which malware is a primary method. But malware has several 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 fall somewhere between harmful and harmless software. While malware is specifically designed to cause damage to a device, this is not always the case with grayware.

Grayware can include a lot of software; from completely harmless to relatively dangerous, depending on what it can cause. But it's important to remember here that grayware programs are not usually as harmful as malware programs (although they can be classified as malware if their impact is large enough).

Unlike malware, grayware can also be completely legitimate under certain circumstances, but its ability to disrupt device operation and cause functional problems is what makes it more suspicious. much more than conventional software.

Types of grayware

You may find it a bit confusing here, as grayware spans a wide spectrum making it hard to understand what it actually entails. So let's discuss some examples of grayware to better understand how it works and whether it has the potential to cause a lot of damage.

1. Spyware - Spyware

Spyware is a commonly used type of software that allows bad guys to spy on an individual or a group of individuals. Spyware is designed to track a person's activities and obtain personal information without their consent. This personal information can then be exploited directly by the cybercriminal who infected the device with spyware, or sold to other cybercriminals on illicit markets (usually on the dark web). .

Spyware is usually installed through an application and can be hidden as something else. While it can compromise an individual's security or privacy, it usually doesn't harm the victim's device in any way. This is why it is considered a type of grayware.

2. Adware - Adware

Adware is another example of grayware that uses frequent pop-ups on the device. Of course, the goal here is advertising in the hope of successfully promoting a company or service. These ads are often shady. For example, you can see a lot of get-rich-quick schemes if adware is installed on your device.

But the adware can also use your IP address and browser activity to tailor ads to your interests. Targeted advertising is commonly used online, but this rarely involves the installation of malware onto one's device.

Adware is often installed accidentally when you download software from the Internet using illegal websites. So be wary of what you install on your device, as this can be accompanied by adware (and more).

3. Madware - Mobile Adware

Madware (or mobile adware) is another type of grayware that targets smartphones and tablets. Like typical adware, it also uses ads to profit from its victims, most commonly on smartphones and tablets that use Android as the operating system. You can still fall victim to madware while using an iOS device, but this is less often the case because of the way the software is designed.

If you see any random pop-up ads on your smartphone, it is likely that a malware program has been installed on your device. It is important to only download legitimate and well-reviewed apps to avoid this from happening.

While grayware doesn't always negatively affect you or your devices, it is entirely capable of doing so. Some grayware programs can invade your privacy, steal personal data, and use your Internet activity to sell you products or services. Be wary of the type of software you install on your device, and always make sure it's provided by a trusted website or vendor.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 21 June 2022