Final answer:
Spyware collects various types of personal information such as passwords, browsing history, and social security numbers, leading to online privacy concerns. Users should be aware and take precautions to protect themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spyware is a type of malicious software that is designed to gather information about a person's internet activities discreetly.
It collects data such as passwords, browsing history, and potentially sensitive personal information, which can include things like social security numbers. Such software can lead to significant online privacy and security issues, as hackers use various methods to access personal information. Awareness and precautions are important to safeguard one's personal data from being compromised. Monitoring credit history and questioning the necessity of information collection are among steps individuals can take to protect their identity online.