Spying simple programs

[mini_0]

The other method is by use of software that you might even install on your computer yourself. There are many great free resources available on the Internet but every time you download a program, you are at risk. A harmless-seeming screensaver can carry spyware hidden within its program and you would not be aware of it.

[hope_07]

Hi, anti spyware technology could be easily be afforded on the net, it is a trend but from the look of it the updates needed sometimes do not turn out
the way they are currently configured, but anti-spyware are effective as long as updates are available.

[mini_0]

Yes ofcourse , you are right , but it is always advisable to not open suspicious websites at the first place .
I persoanlly use the zonealarm spyware and firewall and it blocks hundreds of small to high rated intrusions everyday . and it is not that costly as comapred to the other internet security suites . the only thing i wanted to say is that sources of getting spywares have just become more and more .

[x-man]

That's definitely true mini_o! Downloading from non-reputable websites is defnitely a no-no because you'll never know what you'll get. There are so many unscrupulous web sites out there. Pornographic sites are very notorious on this matter. So the only way to prevent yourself from all of these is abstinence! hehehe!

[Thesa]

Spyware is a dreaded thing in today’s world as it can destroy the data and programs stored on the hard disk. If you ever get infected, and are aware of the right tools to use, the spyware (malware) can be removed. However, removal of the same is not easy and a wrong move can spell disaster, so be careful before trying to remove a spyware unless you are completely sure of how to do it.

Since, spyware is a program, so they can be programmed to download and install additional components, with their code hidden in the Windows code.
There is no guarantee of success after following the below given steps, as the PC can be badly infected that it requires a fresh reformatting of the hard disk and the subsequent re-loading of all the data and programs afresh.

Once more, if not sure of how to do, better not do it and take the help of the experts.

Symptoms of Infection is generally a slower performance of the computer than earlier

This can be due to other things other than spyware, like faulty or less memory, too many applications or windows running at the same time, full or fragmented hard disk etc. Firstly, you need to determine whether it is a spyware-related problem or just a slow machine.

Tools to remove the spyware

Download the latest versions of these tools:

• Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool. This program is updated monthly, so always download the latest version before you use it.

• Microsoft's Windows Defender. Windows Vista has Defender built-in, but if you suspect that you have spyware on your PC, update the program so it can find the newest bad stuff.

• Avira Antivir PersonalEdition Classic, a free antivirus program--if you don't already have up-to-date antivirus software.

Steps to remove the spyware

a) Since, if your PC is infected, you might be prevented from downloading the tools or visiting the sites. However, you can download them on another spyware free computer and then copy the tools in your own PC.

b) Start by running the Malicious Software Removal Tool, which destroys only few malwares. However, those malwares are generally the serious ones.

c) If no find results come up in the above, run the Windows Defender (updated version). Just need to follow the on-screen instructions to delete the spyware which may require some reboots.

d) If the above fails to find anything or fails to delete the spyware, you need to run the antivirus program like AntiVir, (updated) and do a full scan of the PC. If you're using an antivirus program that is already loaded on your system, make sure that it's updated. Just need to follow the on-screen instructions to either quarantine or delete the spyware.

[Thesa]

If in case, all above fails:

One of these three programs should detect and remove any spyware on your PC and if in case it does not do which is a rare case, some online search for help might be required.

What to do and the tools available?

The first step is to examine every process running on your machine to determine whether any of them is a piece of spyware.

Window's Task Manager is not a suitable tool as many spyware programs are able to hide from it. Fortunately, they are other alternatives like Process Explorer (which is free) and Security Task Manager (which comes in free and paid versions).

Either of these programs will show you everything that's running on your PC, and will help you determine whether a particular application should be there. However, be careful, as messing up with system programs and applications is risky as a wrong move can destroy the computer. So, before doing anything, take a backup of everything you need and set a System Restore point (click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, and follow the on-screen instructions); as a safety precaution.

Once more, if not comfortable or confident, please leave this to experts to do this for you.

What the tools display:

Start any of the above and carefully examine the list of running applications on your PC. The applications that you are looking for are those that is either not supposed to be there or is behaving oddly.

In Process Explorer, a color-coded list of everything that's running is shown; programs highlighted in pink are Windows services; those in gray-blue are applications. You can view the full path to each running application

In Security Task Manager, the first time you run it, it shall scan the PC. Unlike Process Explorer, Security Task Manager doesn't list the Windows' own system processes (other than Explorer.exe) on the initial page, though you can view them on specific selection of choices. It gives rating for each program and a higher rating means the more suspect it is. You can view the reason for it, though it is not necessary that high rated programs are suspect as many legitimate programs engage in activities that Security Task Manager finds suspicious. So, before taking any action, you should check it out.

How to remove?

Now, comes the risky part. Once more, if not comfortable or confident, please leave this to experts to do this for you.

If not aware of any program, it is better to do a proper research on it, to check out as to whether it is really a suspicious program.

- It is convenient and helpful to check out the list of processes that are known to be either benign or malevolent at Uniblue Systems' WinTasks Process Library.

- Alternatively, you can enter the filename in a search engine and look through the results for a description of the process. Some legitimate processes do get bad reviews as being a spyware, so it is important to cross check the negative reports.

[David Tan]

Do you trust your friends in using your computer? If you have a habit of saving passwords into your computer, there are programs that can pull out the info. If someone runs the program on your computer, he'll know all your id and passwords.