Final answer:
Spyware is the term used to describe programs that secretly monitor and report a person's internet activities, such as adware tracking keystrokes on advertisements. These programs are part of the larger spectrum of malware, which can endanger user privacy and information security.
Step-by-step explanation:
Programs used to secretly record and report an individual's activities on the Internet are called spyware. An example of such programs is an adware software program that records a user's keystrokes on online advertisements and reports them to a research or ad firm. Spyware can pose significant privacy threats as it can track personal information and browsing habits without the user's consent. It's part of a broader category of malicious software known as malware, which includes viruses, trojans, and worms, all designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system.
Law enforcement and criminals alike, with the right software, can use technology to activate a phone's microphone and camera remotely. This ability raises significant concerns about privacy and the boundaries of technology in surveillance. The complexity of these issues is heightened in our current society as our dependence on technology grows, and simultaneously, so does the capability for our information and personal lives to be monitored. The balance between the values of privacy, freedom, and security remains a critical discussion as technology continues to advance.