Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Cybersecurity Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of spyware?

1. To delete files on a computer

2. To enhance system security

3. To collect user information without consent

4. To create backups of data

The correct answer is: To collect user information without consent

The primary purpose of spyware is to collect user information without consent. This type of malicious software is designed to infiltrate a user's system and gather sensitive data such as personal identification information, browsing habits, login credentials, and financial data. Often, users are unaware that their data is being collected, which raises significant privacy and security concerns. In contrast, options that involve deleting files or enhancing system security do not align with the functions of spyware. Deleting files is typically associated with malware aimed at causing harm, while enhancing system security is more in line with antivirus or security software, which is designed to protect systems and users from threats. Creating backups of data serves a completely different purpose related to data management and recovery, which does not relate to the nature of spyware's operations.