Programs used to secretly record an individual's activities on the Internet are called spyware.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Spyware is a type of malicious software that is designed to monitor and record a user's online activities without their knowledge or consent. It is often installed on a computer or device without the user's awareness.
2. Spyware can track a wide range of activities, including websites visited, keystrokes typed, emails sent and received, chat conversations, and more.
3. The main purpose of spyware is to gather personal information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive data, which can then be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.
4. Spyware can be distributed through various means, such as email attachments, software downloads, or malicious websites. It can also be bundled with legitimate software, making it difficult to detect and remove.
5. To protect against spyware, it is important to have up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your device. It is also recommended to avoid downloading software from unknown or untrusted sources and to regularly update your operating system and applications to patch any security vulnerabilities.