Which malware is specifically designed to track user data and browsing habits?

Spyware is a type of malware specifically designed to collect information about users without their knowledge. Its primary function is to monitor and track user activities, which can include capturing keystrokes, tracking browsing habits, and gathering personal information such as passwords and credit card details. Spyware operates stealthily, often running in the background while the user engages with their device, making it difficult for users to detect its presence.

In contrast, other forms of malware have different purposes. Adware, while it may collect some usage data, primarily focuses on displaying unwanted advertisements to users. Scareware typically tries to scare users into purchasing software under the pretense of removing malware or viruses from their systems. Ransomware, on the other hand, encrypts a user's files and demands a ransom for decryption, which is a completely different function from tracking user data. Thus, spyware is the category of malware that is specifically designed for monitoring user data and browsing habits.