Final answer:
The software that collects information about your internet surfing habits and behaviors is called spyware. It is a form of malware that operates stealthily and sends the collected information to third parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The software that illicitly collects information about your internet surfing habits and behaviors is called spyware. Spyware is a type of malware that is designed to gather information from a computer without the user's knowledge or consent. It can track your browsing activities, collect personal information, and even capture your passwords.
As a form of malware, spyware is often installed on a computer through deceptive means, such as hiding within legitimate software downloads or email attachments. Once installed, it operates silently in the background, sending the collected information to third parties.
To protect your privacy and security, it is important to have reliable antivirus and anti-spyware software installed on your computer. Regularly updating these programs and being cautious of suspicious emails, downloads, and websites can help prevent the installation of spyware.