Spyware is a type of malicious software (malware) that secretly infiltrates your computer or mobile device to gather information about you without your knowledge or consent. It's designed to hide in the background and monitor your activities, stealing sensitive data and potentially causing harm to your device and privacy.
Option C is the most comprehensive and direct answer because it combines the essential elements of spyware prevention: keeping the system patched (OS updates), actively scanning for and removing threats (anti-malware), and practicing safe online behavior.
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A) This option includes several good security practices. Removing temporary files helps with privacy, disabling unnecessary extensions reduces attack surface, and strong passwords are essential. However, it lacks the core component of actively scanning for and removing malware. This makes it a very plausible but ultimately incomplete answer. It focuses on preventative measures but doesn't address active threat detection.
B) This option describes a more advanced security setup typically found in enterprise environments. While these measures are highly effective, they are overkill for a standard home user scenario and don't directly address the specific issue of spyware in the most efficient way. It introduces concepts like IDS and system drivers, which, while important for overall security, are not the best or most direct approach to preventing spyware for the average user.
D) This option focuses heavily on network security and browser hardening. High browser security settings can sometimes hinder usability, clearing DNS cache has minimal impact on spyware prevention, and while VPNs are excellent for protecting data on public Wi-Fi, they don't prevent spyware from being installed through other means (e.g., infected downloads).