Which type of malware is designed to collect private information from users without their consent?

• A. Virus
• B. Adware
• C. Spyware
• D. Worm

Answer: (C)

Spyware is specifically designed to gather sensitive information from users without their explicit consent. This type of malware operates stealthily, often running in the background to monitor user activity, capture keystrokes, and collect personal data such as login credentials, financial information, and browsing habits. By doing so, spyware compromises user privacy and can lead to identity theft or financial loss.

The nature of spyware distinguishes it from other types of malware. For example, viruses typically require a host file to spread and may cause operational damage to a system. Adware, while it can collect user data and serve unwanted advertisements, is generally more focused on advertising revenues rather than the covert collection of personal information. Worms are self-replicating malware that spreads through networks, often causing harm through disruption rather than data collection.

In summary, spyware's primary function is to silently gather private information without user consent, making it the correct answer in this context.