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Am I Being Spied On?
(#16220)
I was given an old computer recently by an acquaintance (I hesitate to call him a friend), and have been using it fairly regularly. The odd thing is, when I speak to this chap, he sometimes seems to know which websites i visit, and has even alluded to subjects I've written about in private emails.
He has never given me irrefutable proof that he has access to my computer, but something seems not quite right.
I have switched off my wireless router so nobody can use that, and no one has access to the machine itself.
I don't know much about computers. Is it possible for people for people to spy on other people's computers? Maybe through some hidden software or something? Or am I being paranoid?
Allan - 2/7/2010 6:22:27 PM - Country: United Kingdom
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Comments & Replies
He may have installed a keystroke logger onto the PC before giving it to you, as well as a trojan which allows him to access your pc over the internet whenever it is switched on. Either run a virus check, or go to the Trendmicro website and use their online virus scan software called HouseCall. Lastly, check your router to see if you can see any outgoing traffic which you are not sure about.
Anonymous - Posted: 2/8/2010 6:24:46 AM
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thanks very much for your reply 59660. the computer is a mac and was one of many previously used by a business, and presumably replaced. is there anything i need to be aware of with that? for example, i've heard that employers can keep tabs on their employees use of their machines.
thanks again for posting.
- Posted: 2/8/2010 6:34:43 PM
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If I were you and had the original installation disks, I would simply reformat the entire computer and reinstall the operating system and application software. If someone owned the PC before you anything could have been installed on to it, or your "friend" could have tampered with it before handing it over to you. If you do not have the original installation software, then do some investigation yourself and see if you can spot any malicious or suspicios software on the system. Just Google "detecting spyware on a mac" or "detecting loggers on a mac" to get started.
Anonymous - Posted: 2/9/2010 4:25:33 AM
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ok, i'll do that. i don't have the installation stuff but i'll go through everything with a fine tooth comb. if it comes to it, i suppose i can always ditch the thing and do without a computer!
thanks a million for your advice - i appreciate it massively!
- Posted: 2/9/2010 11:23:43 AM
Comment ID: 59701- Offensive? Unsuitable?
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