In what manner does spyware typically operate?

Spyware typically operates without user knowledge or consent, making it a particularly insidious form of malware. This malicious software is designed to monitor a user's online activity, collect sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal data, and transmit that information back to the attacker or a third party. Since spyware often installs itself without any clear indication to the user, it can operate silently in the background, capturing data without the consent or even the awareness of the user.

The nature of spyware is to remain hidden and unobtrusive, which is why users do not see any notifications or prompts indicating that it is actively gathering information. This lack of transparency is what differentiates spyware from legitimate software that provides data usage information or requires user consent before accessing data. Therefore, the defining characteristic of spyware is its capability to function stealthily, which is effectively captured by the idea that it operates without user knowledge or consent.