What type of program installs and gathers personal information, including password and account information, from a computer without permission or knowledge of the user?

Answer: Spyware

Explanation:

Spyware is the software program that can collect information and data about certain organization, user, etc without their permission or knowledge. It can convert that information according to the desired way after obtaining information without consent.

If spyware is used for unauthorized and malicious purpose, it is usually present in the authorized system in hidden manner for stealing, passwords, data, confidential information etc.