Final answer:
Malware is the correct answer to the student's question, referring to software installed to gather information without consent, often used by hackers and potentially also by government or criminal entities for espionage or surveillance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The software described in the question is known as Malware, which stands for malicious software. This type of software is designed to harm or exploit any programmable device, service, or network. Hackers use malware for a variety of reasons, such as to steal secret intelligence or cause disruption in systems. Cyberattacks can involve the planting of malware to gathering information on individuals or organizations without their consent, often resulting in privacy invasions, data breaches, or industrial espionage. Not only are individuals at risk, but even government systems can be compromised to cause chaos, disrupt communications, or pilfer sensitive data. Moreover, law enforcement and criminals alike can use sophisticated software to turn mobile devices into covert listening devices, amplifying the potential for unauthorized surveillance.