What Is Stealthware?

Stealthware, sometimes referred to as “stealth malware,” is a cyber threat that flies under the radar. Unlike more obvious forms of malware like ransomware or adware, stealthware doesn’t usually announce its presence. Instead, it uses tactics like code obfuscation, rootkit behavior, or manipulation of system logs to remain undetected for long periods.

Its main purpose? To silently carry out malicious activity—such as spying on users, stealing credentials, or establishing remote access—without alerting the user or triggering antivirus alarms.

The term is often used interchangeably with “stealth malware,” and while both mean similar things, stealthware emphasizes the software's evasive nature rather than a specific payload or goal.