How to detect spyware on your computer. How to detect spyware on your computer How to check your computer for tracking

Almost all users today are familiar with viruses and the consequences of their impact on computer systems. Among all the threats that have become most widespread, a special place is occupied by spyware that monitors the actions of users and steals confidential information. The following will show what such applications and applets are and discuss how to detect spy program on your computer and get rid of such a threat without harming the system.

What is spyware?

Let's start with the fact that spy applications, or executable applets, usually called Spyware, are not viruses as such in the usual sense. That is, they have virtually no impact on the system in terms of its integrity or performance, although when infecting computers they are able to constantly remain in random access memory and consume some system resources. But, as a rule, this does not particularly affect the performance of the OS.

But their main purpose is to track the user’s work, and, if possible, steal confidential data, spoof email for the purpose of sending spam, analyze requests on the Internet and redirect to sites containing malware, analyze information on the hard drive, etc. Itself It goes without saying that any user must have at least a primitive anti-virus package installed for protection. True, for the most part neither free antiviruses, much less the built-in firewall Windows full there is no assurance of safety. Some applications may simply not be recognized. This is where a completely logical question arises: “What then should be the protection of a computer from spyware?” Let's try to consider the main aspects and concepts.

Types of spyware

Before proceeding with a practical solution, you should clearly understand which applications and applets belong to the Spyware class. Today there are several main types:

• key loggers;


• hard drive scanners;


• screen spies;


• mail spies;


• proxy spies.

Spyware penetration methods into computer systems
Today, due to the incredible development of Internet technologies, the World Wide Web is the main open and weakly protected channel that threats of this type use to penetrate local computer systems or networks.

In some cases, spyware is installed on the computer by the user himself, as paradoxical as this may sound. In most cases, he doesn't even know about it. And everything is banally simple. For example, you downloaded a seemingly interesting program from the Internet and started the installation. In the first stages, everything looks as usual. But then sometimes windows appear asking you to install some additional software product or add-on to your Internet browser. Usually all this is written in small print. The user, trying to quickly complete the installation process and start working with the new application, often does not pay attention to this, agrees to all the conditions and... ultimately receives an embedded “agent” for collecting information.

Consequences of exposure

As for the harm caused by spies, as already mentioned, this generally does not affect the system in any way, but user information and personal data are at risk.

The most dangerous among all applications of this type are the so-called key loggers, or, more simply, keyloggers. They are the ones who are able to monitor the set of characters, which gives the attacker the opportunity to obtain the same logins and passwords, bank details or card PIN codes, and anything else that the user would not want to make available to a wide range of people. As a rule, after all the data has been determined, it is sent either to a remote server or via email, naturally, in hidden mode. Therefore, it is recommended to use such important information special encryption utilities. In addition, it is advisable to save files not on the hard drive (hard drive scanners can easily find them), but on removable media, and at least on a flash drive, and always along with the decryptor key.

Among other things, many experts consider it safest to use on-screen keyboard, although they acknowledge the inconvenience of this method
Screen tracking in terms of what exactly the user is doing is dangerous only when confidential data or registration details are entered. The spy simply takes screenshots after a certain time and sends them to the attacker. Using the on-screen keyboard, as in the first case, will not give any results. And if two spies work simultaneously, then you won’t be able to hide anywhere.

Email tracking is done through your contact list. The main goal is to replace the contents of the letter when sending it for the purpose of sending spam.
Proxy spies are harmful only in the sense that they turn the local computer terminal into some kind of proxy server. Why is this necessary? Yes, only to hide behind, say, the user’s IP address when committing illegal actions. Naturally, the user has no idea about this. Let’s say someone hacked the security system of a bank and stole a certain amount of money. Monitoring of actions by authorized services reveals that the hack was carried out from a terminal with such and such an IP, located at such and such an address. The secret services come to an unsuspecting person and send him to jail. Is there really nothing good about this?

First symptoms of infection

Now let's move on to practice. How to check your computer for spyware if suddenly, for some reason, doubts creep in about the integrity of the security system? To do this, you need to know how the impact of such applications manifests itself in the early stages.

If for no apparent reason a decrease in performance is noticed, or the system periodically “freezes”, or refuses to work at all, first you should look at the load on the processor and RAM, and also monitor all active processes.

In most cases, the user in the same “Task Manager” will see unfamiliar services that were not previously in the process tree. This is just the first call. The creators of spyware are far from stupid, so they create programs that disguise themselves as system processes, and it is simply impossible to identify them manually without special knowledge. Then problems begin with connecting to the Internet, the start page changes, etc.

How to check your computer for spyware

As for scanning, standard antiviruses will not help here, especially if they have already missed the threat. At a minimum, you will need some kind of portable version like Dr. Web Cure It! or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (or better yet, something like Rescue Disc that checks the system before it boots).

How to find spyware on your computer? In most cases, it is recommended to use highly targeted special programs of the Anti-Spyware class (SpywareBlaster, AVZ, XoftSpySE Anti-Spyware, Microsoft Antispyware, etc.). The scanning process in them is fully automated, as well as subsequent deletion. But here there are things that are worth paying attention to.

How to remove spyware from your computer: standard methods and third-party software used

You can even remove spyware from your computer manually, but only if the program is not disguised.

Now a few words about the sensational Spyhunter utility. Many people call it almost a panacea for all ills. We beg to differ. It scans the system yet, but sometimes it gives a false positive. This is not the problem. The fact is that uninstalling it turns out to be quite problematic. For the average user, just the number of actions that need to be performed makes their head spin.

Legalized spying in Windows 10

But that's not all. All of the above concerned only how spyware penetrates the system, how it behaves, etc. But what to do when espionage is legal?

Is there 100% protection?

If you look closely at how spyware gets onto a computer and what it does afterwards, there is only one thing that can be said about 100% protection: it does not exist. Even if you use the entire arsenal of security tools, you can be 80 percent sure of security, no more. However, there should be no provoking actions on the part of the user himself in the form of visiting dubious sites, installing unsafe software, ignoring antivirus warnings, opening email attachments from unknown sources, etc.

This is achieved by masking user actions from unauthorized screen reading and keyboard input interception. Provides ample opportunities to control your system by monitoring drivers, services, system processes, DLLs and other functionality. This allows you to detect and remove all hidden rootkits. Protects against hardware keyloggers, can be used on tablets. Effective, even on an infected computer.

If you have any questions for us, write to email address to the laboratory for the study of surveillance threats

Examples of protection against spyware.

On this page you can see various ways and detailed examples of working with anti-spy masker Mask S.W.B to detect, remove and disguise from various tracking methods: spies, Trojans, keyloggers, control systems, rootkits, etc. Understand how to hide your actions on your computer from existing threats by pressing just one button without additional settings. Copy and transfer data without using the system clipboard.

Spy VkurSe for secretly monitoring all actions on a computer, can save collected data in the system, and can quietly send it via the Internet to a special server. Provides the ability to covertly monitor your computer online. Creates screenshots, intercepts keyboard keystrokes, clipboard, and much more.

Spy Spytector invisible keyboard keylogger that tracks all actions performed on the computer. The spy monitors visits to web pages, opening windows, pressing buttons on the keyboard, creates encrypted logs and sends them via e-mail or FTP channel to its owner. Invisible on the desktop and hidden in the standard Windows task manager.

Spy JETLOGGER- allows you to monitor user activity on the computer, collects information about running programs, visited sites and key combinations used. Can be enabled automatic creation screenshots at certain intervals. Hides the fact of collecting information about activity on the device, is as simple and clear as possible.

Spy Award Keylogger- allows you to monitor all users on any computer in real time and save a history record in special logs. You can immediately view screenshots of what you observed, all the characters typed, websites visited, and programs used.

Spy REFOG Personal Monitor– provides full control over the system, records any keystrokes in a log. In addition, he periodically takes screenshots so that the observer has a complete picture of what is happening on the computer. All reports are sent to the specified email. The spy's work is invisible on the computer: it does not reveal itself in any way and consumes very few system resources.

Snitch– a spy program that collects information about the actions of the person you need on the computer, installation takes place in two clicks, intercepts all operations with files and the clipboard, as well as all keyboard strokes, including passwords and logins for accessing user accounts in ICQ, in social networks, email, etc. Provides a report for any period of time.

Spy WebWatcher– records all activity occurring on the PC, emails, instant messenger messages, information about visited sites, activity on Facebook/MySpace networks and everything that the user types in real time. Takes screenshots and tracks everything search queries. All collected information is sent to special servers.

Spy Kickidler– allows you to automatically monitor the use of computers of interest, tracks keystrokes, mouse movements, and records video. You can always monitor and promptly respond to the actions of users of parallel computers.

Spy PC Pandora– hides in the system and controls the entire computer and Internet traffic. Takes screenshots, receives keyboard data, visited websites, email, instant messages from instant messengers and much more other information.

Spy Expert Home– a multifunctional program for covert surveillance and detailed recording of all actions performed on the computer. Expert Home spy monitors all the most popular activities occurring on your computer.

Spy System Surveillance Pro– provides all the standard actions for monitoring a PC in discreet mode. The spy records text input, instant messages, applications used and sites visited, and also takes screenshots at a specified time interval.

Spy KidLogger PRO is an open-source keylogger that can record sound from a microphone and take screenshots. Delivery of logs/screenshots is possible by email or to the manufacturer’s website; stolen information can be stored locally.

Snooper– audio spy is designed to record sounds that are picked up by a microphone connected to a PC. In recording mode, it is not displayed in the tray, and is not visible in the list of processes in the Windows task manager.

Spy Spytech SpyAgent- a program for complete control over user actions. SpyAgent monitors system activity, including recording keystrokes, programs launched, files opened, and much more. Knows how to take pictures, there is a possibility remote control program.

Spy Ardamax Keylogger– a keylogger program for intercepting screenshots, clipboards, keystrokes on the keyboard, entering passwords and Internet addresses, communicating in Internet instant messengers, and so on.

Spy Windows Spy Keylogger- starts the process of tracking actions on the computer. After launching and activating the process, it will intercept everything that is typed on the keyboard; the results can be viewed in the log file, which will be located in the folder specified in the spy settings. Keylogger allows you to track logins, passwords, correspondence and any other typed text in the system.

Clipboard constantly used when copying, cutting and pasting information between windows of various programs. It can be accessed by any application on your computer. For this reason, anything copied on the system can be intercepted.

Spy Yaware.TimeTracker– to track the actions of computer users. What programs, sites and documents he uses, monitors and receives screenshots and webcams at a given interval. It can work both in normal and hidden mode, keeps track of time spent on the computer and other controls.

Spy tracking program Real Spy Monitor is aimed at monitoring activity on a computer, has the ability to take screenshots, monitor which sites users visit, record keystrokes, can also record correspondence conducted via ICQ, MSN, AIM, Yahoo Messenger, and also save the contents of the mailbox MSN, Hotmail and Yahoo, which is viewed in the browser.

Easy to use and install, spy LightLogger works invisible to most users, fully controls the system clipboard, records keystrokes on any Internet pages and programs. LightLogger can record screenshots (PrintScreens) with a time interval and a set file size.

Key Features of Spy TheRat- work on the principle of incorporeal viruses. When the keylogger is launched, no separate executable files are created. It is launched once from the control center or a modified executable, and then completely hides traces of its presence and exists only in RAM.

Spy Hide Trace– allows you to discreetly monitor user actions. This is not a keylogger that antiviruses respond to, but just a program that quietly observes and keeps a detailed log of the system’s operation. Supporting information with hidden screenshots.

Spy DameWare Remote Support– allows you to connect and control remote machines via the Internet or local network. Can secretly, unnoticed by the observed, conduct complete control of all his actions.

Let me tell you how you can find and check Android for spyware. This includes wiretapping conversations, reading letters, tracking location and other “Trojans” and “worms”.

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 10/9/8/7: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

Attention! You can ask your question to a specialist at the end of the article.

Spyware for surveillance

You may have information that someone else wants to have. If a person works in business, then this could be data on the development of new products, sales strategies, etc.

If you sent your Android phone in for repair, then for some reason they may install a spy application to track your location using GPS or copy data. There is a large and thriving industry whose main purpose is to spy on other people using spyware. But no matter how smart the spyware is, there are ways to detect it on an Android tablet or smartphone.

Signs of a surveillance program on a gadget

Unusual sounds when calling

If during a conversation there are distant voices or clicks (or parts of someone's voices) that pass through your phone, then this is a sign that you are being monitored. This is not normal for today's phones. Similar problems with old analog networks are a thing of the past.

Reduced battery capacity

Another sign of a faulty mobile phone is a decrease in battery performance. If your phone is tapped, it records your actions and transmits them to a third party.

Such operations leave a mark in the form of excessive use of battery power. As a result, the battery drains faster. The phone can still continuously record conversations in the room, even if it is in standby mode.

All this leads to rapid battery discharge. The test is carried out by using your battery in another phone of an identical model, and then you should simply compare the results.

The phone shows activity when not in use

Does your gadget make noise or screen turn on when not in use? Calls and message alerts should be kept quiet when the device is not in use. Is your phone rebooting for no reason? Then someone can have remote access to this gadget.

The phone takes a long time to turn off

Before turning off, the smartphone must close all applications that it processes. If a gadget transmits information to another device, it will take more time to complete a particular process. If your phone takes longer than usual to turn off, especially after a text message, call, web browsing, or email, it may be sending information to a third party.

Checking your phone for wiretapping

High battery temperature

Don't actively use your smartphone or play games for a while. After this, you need to touch the device from the battery side. If you feel warm, there is a possibility that the gadget is secretly used to transmit information. But this is not a clear sign of surveillance.

Receiving unusual messages

Are you receiving strange text messages that contain random characters and numbers? Function remote control various spy programs require sending secret text messages to your phone.

In some situations, this can be seen, especially when the gadget’s software is not working properly. If this happens regularly, then a spy application may be installed on the phone.

Increasing the amount of information used

Less reliable spyware uses additional options to send data collected from your Android device. Therefore, you should pay attention to any unexplained increases in monthly data usage.

More advanced spy apps have significantly reduced the amount of data used, making them almost impossible to detect. Old programs, thanks to the large increase in monthly traffic volume, can still be identified.

Spyware for Android

You can find spyware on Android in your smartphone files. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open “Settings”, select “Applications”.
• Then click on “Start Services” or “Manage Applications”.
• We are looking for suspicious files.

Good spyware often disguises file names so they don't stand out. In some cases, their names may contain the following terms: stealth, monitor, spy, etc. Some less advanced programs are still very easy to detect.

There is no need to worry if you find evidence of spyware being used on your gadget. It’s better not to delete unknown ones. If suspicious software is detected, it is recommended to take the device to a specialist at a service center.

Cell phone wiretapping

Reset to factory settings

If , then this operation will remove any spyware. The user should create a backup copy of data: music, photos, contacts. If you do this, you will still need an effective passcode to prevent unauthorized access to your gadget in the future.

For Android gadgets, there is an AppNotifier application, which sends an e-mail that programs have been downloaded to the device. The utility warns if someone wants to perform an operation that should not be performed.

What to do when you discover spyware?

This may come as a shock. Many victims are not even aware of the existence of this type of software. If you notice unusual behavior on your phone or tablet, it's worth checking it out. It is important to remember that there are many powerful spyware programs available today.

Privacy App

The Privacy App was developed by SnoopWall. The utility is very useful for Android tablets and smartphones. The software conducts a full audit of the gadget and compiles a list of all suspicious and potentially dangerous programs.

For example, why does Brightest Flashlight use the user's geographic coordinates? Why does he need given information? In the United States, the program developer was punished by the Federation of Trade Commission for such activities.

Over the entire period, the flashlight spy program has been installed by more than 50 million Android users. The developer not only collected user coordinates in almost real time, but also sold the information to advertising networks and other buyers.

Some other Android programs secretly carry out similar malicious activities, but they can look quite decent. The Privacy App detects such spies. It demonstrates which applications have access to the following systems:

• Microphone.
• Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth.
• Camcorder.
• Other sensors.

Now we can draw a conclusion about which programs have a lot of “extra” powers.

Privacy App developers conducted tests with 90 thousand applications from the Google Play catalog and compiled a database of “risky” programs. The development and testing process took 14 months. Such tests have shown that at least 20% of the Google Play catalog requests permission to access data that they do not actually need to provide basic functions.

Some programs collect entered passwords while running in the background. Other software takes photos of the user without turning on the flash.

Another functionality of the Privacy App allows you to calculate a “privacy index” that displays general security everyone installed programs. The utility provides a security assessment for financial mobile applications and removes spyware.

Almost all users today are familiar with viruses and the consequences of their impact on computer systems. Among all the threats that have become most widespread, a special place is occupied by spyware that monitors the actions of users and steals confidential information. Next, we will show what such applications and applets are, and discuss the issue of how to detect spyware on a computer and get rid of such a threat without harming the system.

What is spyware?

Let's start with the fact that spy applications, or executable applets, usually called Spyware, are not viruses as such in the usual sense. That is, they have virtually no impact on the system in terms of its integrity or performance, although when infecting computers they can constantly reside in RAM and consume part of the system resources. But, as a rule, this does not particularly affect the performance of the OS.

But their main purpose is to track the user’s work, and, if possible, steal confidential data, spoof email for the purpose of sending spam, analyze requests on the Internet and redirect to sites containing malware, analyze information on the hard drive, etc. Itself It goes without saying that any user must have at least a primitive anti-virus package installed for protection. True, for the most part, neither free antiviruses nor, especially, the built-in Windows firewall provide complete confidence in security. Some applications may simply not be recognized. This is where a completely logical question arises: “What then should be the protection of a computer from spyware?” Let's try to consider the main aspects and concepts.

Types of spyware

Before proceeding with a practical solution, you should clearly understand which applications and applets belong to the Spyware class. Today there are several main types:

• key loggers;
• hard drive scanners;
• screen spies;
• mail spies;
• proxy spies.

Each such program affects the system differently, so next we will look at how exactly spyware penetrates a computer and what they can do to an infected system.

Spyware penetration methods into computer systems

Today, due to the incredible development of Internet technologies, the World Wide Web is the main open and weakly protected channel that threats of this type use to penetrate local computer systems or networks.

In some cases, spyware is installed on the computer by the user himself, as paradoxical as this may sound. In most cases, he doesn't even know about it. And everything is banally simple. For example, you downloaded a seemingly interesting program from the Internet and started the installation. In the first stages, everything looks as usual. But then sometimes windows appear asking you to install some additional software product or add-on to your Internet browser. Usually all this is written in small print. The user, trying to quickly complete the installation process and start working with the new application, often does not pay attention to this, agrees to all the conditions and... ultimately receives an embedded “agent” for collecting information.

Sometimes spyware is installed on a computer in the background, then masquerading as important system processes. There may be plenty of options here: installing unverified software, downloading content from the Internet, opening dubious email attachments, and even simply visiting some unsafe resources on the Internet. As is already clear, it is simply impossible to track such an installation without special protection.

Consequences of exposure

As for the harm caused by spies, as already mentioned, this generally does not affect the system in any way, but user information and personal data are at risk.

The most dangerous among all applications of this type are the so-called key loggers, or, more simply, keyloggers. They are the ones who are able to monitor the set of characters, which gives the attacker the opportunity to obtain the same logins and passwords, bank details or card PIN codes, and anything else that the user would not want to make available to a wide range of people. As a rule, after all the data has been determined, it is sent either to a remote server or via email, naturally, in hidden mode. Therefore, it is recommended to use special encryption utilities to store such important information. In addition, it is advisable to save files not on a hard drive (hard drive scanners can easily find them), but on removable media, or at least on a flash drive, and always along with the decryptor key.

Among other things, many experts consider it safest to use the on-screen keyboard, although they recognize the inconvenience of this method.

Screen tracking in terms of what exactly the user is doing is dangerous only when confidential data or registration details are entered. The spy simply takes screenshots after a certain time and sends them to the attacker. Using the on-screen keyboard, as in the first case, will not give any results. And if two spies work simultaneously, then you won’t be able to hide anywhere.

Email tracking is done through your contact list. The main goal is to replace the contents of the letter when sending it for the purpose of sending spam.

Proxy spies are harmful only in the sense that they turn the local computer terminal into some kind of proxy server. Why is this necessary? Yes, only to hide behind, say, the user’s IP address when committing illegal actions. Naturally, the user has no idea about this. Let’s say someone hacked the security system of a bank and stole a certain amount of money. Monitoring of actions by authorized services reveals that the hack was carried out from a terminal with such and such an IP, located at such and such an address. The secret services come to an unsuspecting person and send him to jail. Is there really nothing good about this?

First symptoms of infection

Now let's move on to practice. How to check your computer for spyware if suddenly, for some reason, doubts creep in about the integrity of the security system? To do this, you need to know how the impact of such applications manifests itself in the early stages.

If for no apparent reason a decrease in performance is noticed, or the system periodically “freezes”, or refuses to work at all, first you should look at the load on the processor and RAM, and also monitor all active processes.

In most cases, the user in the same “Task Manager” will see unfamiliar services that were not previously in the process tree. This is just the first call. The creators of spyware are far from stupid, so they create programs that disguise themselves as system processes, and it is simply impossible to identify them manually without special knowledge. Then problems begin with connecting to the Internet, the start page changes, etc.

How to check your computer for spyware

As for scanning, standard antiviruses will not help here, especially if they have already missed the threat. At a minimum, you will need some kind of portable version like Dr. Web Cure It! or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (or better yet, something like Rescue Disc that scans the system before it boots).

How to find spyware on your computer? In most cases, it is recommended to use highly targeted special programs of the Anti-Spyware class (SpywareBlaster, AVZ, XoftSpySE Anti-Spyware, Microsoft Antispyware, etc.). The scanning process in them is fully automated, as well as subsequent deletion. But here there are things that are worth paying attention to.

How to remove spyware from your computer: standard methods and third-party software used

You can even remove spyware from your computer manually, but only if the program is not disguised.

To do this, you can go to the programs and features section, find the application you are looking for in the list and start the uninstallation process. True, the Windows uninstaller, to put it mildly, is not very good, since it leaves a bunch of computer garbage after the process is completed, so it is better to use specialized utilities like iObit Uninstaller, which, in addition to uninstalling in the standard way, allow you to perform in-depth scanning to search for residual files or even keys and entries in the system registry.

Now a few words about the sensational Spyhunter utility. Many people call it almost a panacea for all ills. We beg to differ. It scans the system yet, but sometimes it gives a false positive. This is not the problem. The fact is that uninstalling it turns out to be quite problematic. For the average user, just the number of actions that need to be performed makes their head spin.

What to use? Protection against such threats and search for spyware on your computer can be done, for example, even using the ESETNOD32 or Smart Security package with the Anti-Theft function activated. However, everyone chooses for themselves what is better and easier for them.

Legalized spying in Windows 10

But that's not all. All of the above concerned only how spyware penetrates the system, how it behaves, etc. But what to do when espionage is legal?

Windows 10 did not perform well in this regard. There are a bunch of services here that need to be disabled (communicating data with remote Microsoft servers, using identity to receive ads, sending data to a company, determining location using telemetry, receiving updates from multiple locations, etc.).

Is there 100% protection?

If you look closely at how spyware gets onto a computer and what it does afterwards, there is only one thing that can be said about 100% protection: it does not exist. Even if you use the entire arsenal of security tools, you can be 80 percent sure of security, no more. However, there should be no provoking actions on the part of the user himself in the form of visiting dubious sites, installing unsafe software, ignoring antivirus warnings, opening email attachments from unknown sources, etc.

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Spybot. Removing spyware programs

Main function: detection and removal of various types of spyware

Program page: www.safer-networking.org

License: free program

Operating system: all Windows versions

The version of the program used here: 2.2

Distribution volume: 15.6 MB

Possibilities

If you turned on your computer in the morning and an unfamiliar page with commercial advertising automatically loaded in your browser window, it means that there is a spy on your computer.

Spyware cannot even be called full-fledged programs. These are code fragments similar to well-known computer viruses. But unlike viruses, they usually do not have the goal of infecting as many people as possible. more files or send yourself to contacts from address book. The spy collects information and sends it to the “master”. Depending on this information, the spy can, for example, display advertisements. It happens that data intercepted by a spy is used by attackers to access various resources “on behalf of” an honest user.

Sometimes spies look like legitimate add-ons to freeware (shareware) software useful programs. Sometimes they are even mentioned in fine print in the "licensing agreement".

Spybot - Search & Destroy, a program with a menacing name (“search and destroy” - “find and destroy”), is an effective means of combating spies. It’s quite difficult to pronounce this in Russian every time, so from now on we’ll simply write Spybot.

Spybot fights not only spies, but also the following “bad guys” (malware; the list is not complete):

• Adware - displays advertisements on your computer.
• Spyware is a real spy, the worst form of adware. Tracks your habits as you download different programs or visit websites, reads personal information, account names and passwords.
• Browser Helper Object (BHO) - browser helper object. Small program, which expands capabilities, for example, Internet Explorer. It can secretly monitor your online activities and cause your browser to become unstable or crash.
• Browser hijacker is a “hijacker” that changes the start or search page of the browser without your knowledge. May actively prevent these pages from returning to normal.
• Dialer - “dialer”, uses your modem to call certain numbers without your consent.
• Keylogger - intercepts and records keystrokes on the keyboard.
• Trojan - Trojan, Trojan horse. Secretly sneaks onto a computer under the guise of (or as part of) a “respectable” program.
• Worm - a worm that uses installed programs to spread itself as far as possible more recipients.

Windows Vista has its own built-in anti-spyware tool called Windows Defender. Regardless, as far as we know, Windows Vista allows Spybot to do its job without any conflict.

Analogues for GNU Linux, Mac OS and Microsoft Windows

We can say that today the GNU Linux and Mac OS operating systems are relatively free from spyware, viruses, etc. For your own protection, we recommend 1) regularly updating your operating system and installed programs; 2) use antivirus tools, for example, one of those listed in the Avast chapter; 3) use the Comodo firewall; 4) use a secure browser, for example, Firefox with the NoScript add-on, which blocks the arbitrary execution of scripts while visiting websites. With these preventative tools, you can protect your computer running GNU Linux or Mac OS.

The situation with Microsoft Windows another. Every day there are many malware, and attack methods are improving and becoming more complex. We recommend not to neglect security measures, including the Spybot program.

However, if your computer has been attacked by malware and you are looking for solutions other than Spybot, we can recommend:

Installing Spybot

• Before installing and mastering the program, it may be worth reading the introduction to the “Necessary Programs” section.
• Click on the Spybot icon. We get a list of mirrors where you can get the program, and download the Spybot distribution to your disk.
• Follow the steps in the "Installing Spybot" section.
• After installing the program, the distribution package can be removed from the disk.
• There is a portable version of Spybot that does not require installation on HDD. You can, for example, carry such a program with you on a USB flash drive. For more information, see the "Installing and Using Spybot" section.

Installing and using Spybot

On this page:

Installing Spybot

Run the installation file.

• First we will be asked to select a language. Select "Russian", click "OK".

• The first window welcomes us. Click "Next".
• A hint that there is an opportunity to donate money for the development of the project. The decision about whether to give money or not can be made later, but now we select “...I’m installing Spybot for private use and will decide later.” Click "Next".

• Select between simple (automatic) and more detailed (manual) installation mode. The first option is "Next".

• License agreement. We agree and click “Next”.
• Information "Everything is ready for installation." Click "Install".

When the installation is complete, you will see the Completing the Installation Wizard window with three options. If we want to run the program right away, leave a checkmark in the first item and click on the “Finish” button.

Portable version

• Launch the downloaded file. In the window that appears, select the Russian language and click “OK”.
• Welcome window. Click "Next".
• License agreement. Check the box “I accept the terms of the agreement” and click “Next”.
• Select the folder where the archive will be unpacked and start the unpacking process.
• Click "Finish".

Now you can run the program. By default, Spybot, however, will show its main window with an interface on English language. To Russify:

• In the main program window, check the "Advanced User Module" box. Additional items appear.
• Select the "Settings" item.
• In the settings, select the "Language" tab, and in it - "Russian". Click "OK".
• We restart the program.

How to use Spybot is described below.

Main program window

Let's see what Spybot offers us.

• Scanning System. Full computer scan (all drives) to detect malicious code.
• Scanning files. Here you can select individual files to scan.
• Immunization. Allows you to establish protection, in particular, by preventing access to sites that pose a potential security threat.
• Quarantine. Spybot places files with which there are problems here (it does not delete them, but blocks them in its own way).
• Donate. The developer offers to help his work.
• Statistics. Information about the scans performed and the results of the fight against malicious code.
• Update. Here you can manually update the program and the anti-spyware database.

There are other tools that Spybot developers call “advanced” and “professional”, but more on them later.

Scanning System

Unlike many antivirus programs, Spybot does not look through all the files in a row, but goes to the most vulnerable places in your system and checks to see if there is any malicious code known to it.

• Click on the "System Scan" button.

• The System Scan window opens. On the left column are the main actions that relate to scanning, and on the right are three areas that will help us navigate further steps.

• Click on the “Start scanning” button.

Spybot suggests first clearing the system of temporary files.

This will get rid of existing “software junk” on your computer and speed up the process: later, if Spybot detects any danger, you won’t have to scroll through screen after screen. Clearing your computer of temporary files will not harm the system or delete your work data or installed programs. You can choose any option. The system check will begin. The more files on the disk, the longer this procedure takes. You can interrupt the scan at any time by clicking the "Abort Scan" button.

• After checking, you need to click on the “Show search results” button.

Spybot will show any problems it finds. Next to the names there are “threat level” indicators: the longer the bar, the more likely the risk.

The "threat level" is an estimate. There's no point in sounding the alarm if you see short stripes, similar topics what's in the picture. They mean this or that program code, which is not very sensitive to your privacy. For example, cookies that store information about the websites you visit. However, you can get rid of these threats, just click the “Fix marked” button in the lower right corner of the window.

Although Spybot automatically logs operations, you can command the results to be written to a log file at any time (option in the left column).

Scan selected files

In essence, it is done in the same way, but in the main Spybot window you need to select the “Scan files” button.

In the left column select necessary files and/or folders. Spybot displays them on the right side of the window and checks them.

Immunization

It would be good not only to scan your computer for problems, but also to take preventive measures and protect important components.

Spybot developers call “immunization” the preventive “vaccination” of the browser against “spyware,” blocking harmful cookies, attempts to install malware, visiting malicious sites, and so on.

• In the main Spybot window, click on the “Immunization” button.

• A window appears asking you to select which accounts to use. Windows entries you want to immunize. If you are the only user on the computer and log in with administrator rights, there is not much difference. But there are usually several people working on your computer, it may be better to limit yourself to just your account.

• Click on the button of your choice and get to the “Immunization” window.

• If any browser is open, Spybot will offer to close it in order to correctly carry out the immunization. We do this and click on the “Check system” button.

• When Spybot completes the scan, we will see a message about its results.

• Click on the “Apply immunization” button.

• Window warning about administrator rights. We confirm.
• The result of immunization looks like in the picture.

Update

It is very easy to update the program manually. To do this, simply click on the “Update” button in the main window.

The Update window will open. It displays the program status. You can force (manually) update the program and database by clicking the "Update" button.

Advanced Features

In the last chapter, we got acquainted with the main functions of Spybot. In addition to them, the developers offer a number of interesting options, which they call “Advanced” and “Professional”. Most are available in the commercial version of Spybot, and we will look at some below.

On this page:

Report Creator

This simple function allows you to compose a report from different log files. Such a report can be useful if you encounter some unusual (hard to remove) malicious code and need professional support. The report can be sent to Spybot developers.

Settings

• Language. By default, Spybot launches with an interface in Russian, but if necessary, you can switch the language to another.
• Region. You can select which system to scan (only internal or also external) and which profile (current or all Windows users on this computer).
• Categories. Here is a list different types malicious code that Spybot checks the system for.
• Integration into the system. By default, Spybot creates context menu in Windows Explorer, places itself in startup and creates an icon in the system tray. All this can be disabled if desired.
• System services. Activation of various parts (modules) of Spybot.
• Browsers. More than one browser may be installed on the system (for example, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox And Google Chrome). This option allows you to disable scanning of a particular browser (for example, if you hardly use it).
• Ignore sheet. If Spybot doesn't seem picky enough to you - for example, it scans and blocks things that don't need to be scanned, much less blocked - you can add the desired program or the site address in the "white list".
• Scheduler. Instead of performing scans manually, sometimes it is more convenient to let Spybot do it itself, on a schedule.
• Dialogues. Various tips, information windows, suggestions for additional actions: all of them can be turned on or off in this menu.

Other

• Bootstrapping Tools. There are many different tabs at this point. In particular, the list of those launched in Windows processes, setting up programs in startup, you can even view and edit hosts file, where Windows stores information about web page redirects. Changes are usually made in Windows registry, so we recommend being very careful. Especially if you don't feel confident enough.

• Rootkit scanner. Scanning for rootkits - programs for masking traces of the presence and operation of malicious code.

Portable version of Spybot

The portable version does not require installation. It can, for example, be stored on a USB flash drive and used on different computers of necessity. In addition, traces of the use of the portable version on a specific computer are more difficult to detect.

Note: Please note the row useful utilities to combat viruses and other malicious code from our Useful Programs section.

How to download, run and Russify the portable version of Spybot is now written in the corresponding chapter of our guide, and this page is temporarily left here for compatibility with other language versions.

Questions and test

Question: Can Spybot automatically search the Internet for updates when downloading?

Answer: Maybe, but only in the extended (paid) version. Since we are using the free version of the program, we will have to run the search for updates manually, as described in this chapter.

Question: In the "Mode" menu item there is a switch to "Advanced mode". Tell us briefly what it is and why it is needed?

Answer: Yes, Spybot can work in advanced mode. It becomes available additional settings programs, for example, creating exceptions when checking the system, maintaining a task scheduler, changing the design of the program, as well as additional tools, in particular, checking for incompatibilities in the registry, setting up Windows startup, changing hidden Internet settings Explorer, etc. But for efficient work Spybot's default settings are sufficient.

Mini test

1. Which of the programs - Cobian Backup or Spybot - has more serious tools for fighting "spies"?

• Cobian Backup
• Spybot
• Approximately equal in function
• They are different in function, it is incorrect to compare them

2. What is adware called?

• One of the categories of computer viruses
• Shareware
• Any malicious code
• Programs that show advertisements

3. Find the false statement.

• Spy may look like a legitimate add-on to a useful program
• Some "spies" can intercept keystrokes on the keyboard
• The data collected by "spies" can be used to access resources on behalf of a respectable user
• Windows XP has its own anti-spyware tool

4. Which of the “symptoms” is most likely a consequence of the work of the “spy”?

• An unfamiliar advertising page appears when launching the browser
• The mail program reports that the mail server is unavailable
• In the Windows hardware list, some items are marked with question marks
• Ripples and streaks of color run across the screen.

5. What is TeaTimer

• Count of spyware detected during a computer scan
• A resident Spybot component that prevents malicious processes from running
• Special Spybot tool for saving and restoring the Windows registry
• Timer in the English version of Windows, which signals that it is time to drink tea

6. Preventive “vaccination against spies” in Spybot language is called...

• Sanitation
• Vaccination
• Immunization
• Amputation

7. Choose the correct ending to the phrase: “To undo changes made by Spybot, you should...”

• ...use Spybot's built-in "Restore" function
• ...try to recover data from the Windows Recycle Bin
• ...start special utility AntiSpybot
• ...restart your computer immediately.

securityinabox.org

Spyware: how to find spy software on your computer?

The term Spyware refers to a spy program that is installed on a computer in secret mode and its purpose is to collect configuration information computer system and user activity. That is, all information about your actions on the Internet and inside the OS can become available to attackers.

To avoid such negative influence from the outside, it is necessary to control the process of introducing third-party programs without your knowledge. Today, there are several main types of spyware that can cause invaluable harm to users.

Spyware classification

• Scanner hard drive- a spy program that studies the contents of the hard drive to identify valuable information, which is subsequently transferred to the owner.
• Screen spy – takes periodic screenshots and forwards these screenshots to the owner. This type of information is of interest to various types of ransomware.
• Proxy spy – when installed on a computer, it acts as a proxy server, which allows you to use someone else’s IP address to cover up your actions.
• Mail spy - collection of information that includes email addresses, which is mainly of interest to people who send spam.
• Keylogger– recording all keystrokes on the keyboard, which allows, for example, to steal credit card numbers.

The above list of threats is far from complete, but it includes the main types of spyware.

Spyware Terminator 2012

Basically, programs that allow you to find a spy on your computer are paid versions of similar products. At the same time, there are a number of software solutions that offer free functions that make it possible to clean the OS of malicious components.

For example, free version Spyware Terminator 2012 program, which in the Freeware version does not have anti-virus protection and high priority updates. At the same time, the available functionality of this software solution allows you to find and remove programs that qualify as spyware.

Find spyware on your computer: procedure

To protect yourself in the future from Spyware, you should set up an automatic scan of your computer system for spyware in the same “Scanning” tab. Of course, antiviruses also have similar functionality, but at the same time, it wouldn’t hurt to check with a specialized tool in the form of the program discussed above.

pauk-info.ru

TOP anti-spyware programs for computers

Hello, friends! Even if you have a good antivirus installed on your PC, it cannot always protect you from the actions of spyware scripts. They are able to penetrate the system and steal personal data, sending it to attacker servers. Additionally, I recommend using the best anti-spyware programs, which I will discuss in this article.

Effective software

There are many similar applications, but many of them simply give the appearance of fighting spyware by first requiring the purchase of a license. In a word, money down the drain. I wanted to make the top 10 programs that actually work, but there were only eight of them. Perhaps after reading the review you will suggest two more.

Super AntiSpyware

One of the most effective solutions, which eliminates not only Spyware, but also Trojans and worms.

• Using heuristic analysis, even potential threats, which have not yet been included in the database.
• The application itself is updated several times a year, and virus signature definitions will have to be updated manually 2-3 times a month.
• You can scan both the entire system and its components: RAM, disks, system folders.
• The software is characterized by minimal resource consumption and fast verification, which is suitable for a computer with weak hardware.

Spybot Search & Destroy

It is distributed completely free of charge, although it asks for financial assistance to the developers for further improvement of the project.

• It copes well with its direct responsibilities, and also knows how to search for and remove “user traces”. This is relevant if several people use the laptop and you do not want them to be able to track your activity.
• It has an interface in Russian with the ability to change the appearance (skins);
• In addition to eliminating spyware, it can fight ad viruses that slow down browsers.
• Even if the utility does something wrong, you can always restore from a backup created automatically.

Spyware Terminator

One of the first programs of its kind, which was an impeccable leader in the fight against spyware until competitors appeared.

• This is a comprehensive solution that is a full-fledged antivirus;
• A “Deep Scan” mode is available, which finds all known threats;
• Works in real time to provide the maximum level of protection. But for less resource consumption, you can disable online monitoring in the settings;
• The presence of the HIPS component allows you to close all security holes in the system so that potential threats cannot penetrate through them.

Microsoft Security Essentials

My review of anti-spyware programs continues with the built-in utility from Microsoft. In new Windows versions it is enabled by default, but does not make itself known until a danger is detected.

• Quickly finds malicious scripts that slow down the system;
• Fights ad viruses in browsers;
• Backs up all changes made so that you can rollback them later;
• There is a task scheduler that will help automate the scanning process;
• Works in the background without attracting the user's attention;
• The databases are updated almost daily.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

The software is free in case home use, and you will have to pay for a business license.

• In addition to the typical anti-spyware capabilities, the utility can analyze the behavior of suspicious processes and block them if necessary;
• Excellent fight against key loggers that record all keystrokes to calculate logins and passwords;
• Detects and quarantines Trojans and worms. That is, it works as a full-fledged antivirus;
• It is possible to control startup (disabling dangerous processes and services that load along with the system).

What else beneficial benefits this software has, you can find out after downloading and installing.

Ad-Aware

Can do everything that was listed in the description of previous applications. But there are also unique features that make the software one of the best in the world.

• Capable of blocking location tracking systems that may be automatically activated when visiting sites;
• Blocks aggressive advertising by thoroughly scanning the registry and disabling harmful browser add-ons;
• Self-updating of databases, which does not require any action from you;
• Connecting plugins to modernize functionality. You can add extensions at your discretion. But remember that each of them will consume additional system resources.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Our rating is slowly approaching the top. In second place in terms of capabilities and efficiency is useful software from Malwarebytes. In my previous publications, I mentioned it several times when I talked about blocking annoying ads. Remember?

The only drawback of the program is that it is shareware. That is, a trial period is provided, after which you will need to buy a license. But this is not a problem for modern “savvy” users?

I will not list all the advantages so as not to repeat myself. You can read the advantages of the previous utilities, add them together and you will get a complete list of Anti-Malware features.

AVZ

Very serious software that not all beginners can handle. In fact, the 2016 versions are much simpler than earlier releases of this software. I remember a couple of years ago I had to deal with AVZ to eliminate a Trojan. It immediately seemed that the utility was extremely complicated. But then I figured it out and used it several times. Cool stuff.

Very often people leave reviews on antivirus forms and ask to post scan logs made by this program. And then they offer a solution in the form of a script that should be executed in AVZ. That is, in order to solve a specific problem, find and remove a dangerous virus that other “defenders” cannot cope with, it is enough to find the necessary code on the Internet and paste it into the execution window.