Internet Security: How to Detect Computer & Email Monitoring or Spying Software

As an IT Pro, I routinely monitor employees computers and emails. It’s essential in a work environment for administrative purposes as well as for security. Monitoring email, for example, allows you to block attachments that could contain a virus or spyware. The only time I have to connect to a users computer and do work directly on their computer is to fix a problem.

However, if you feel that you are being monitored when you shouldn’t be, there are a few little tricks you can use to determine if you’re right. First off, to monitor someones computer means that they can watch everything that you are doing on your computer in real time. Blocking porn sites, removing attachments or blocking spam before it gets to your inbox, etc is not really monitoring, but more like filtering.

The one BIG problem I want to emphasize before moving on is that if you are in a corporate environment and think  you’re being monitored, you should assume they can see EVERYTHING you do on the computer.

Also, assume that you won’t be able to actually find the software that is recording everything. In corporate environments, the computers are so customized and reconfigured that it’s nearly impossible to detect anything unless you’re a hacker. This article is more geared towards home users who thinks a friend or family member is trying to monitor them.

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Internet Security: How to Thwart 5 Digital Snooping Threats - by Steve Roussea

Today's all-in-one spyware suites allow remote monitoring and control of your PC, including access to your keystrokes and webcam. If your system is running suspiciously—the webcam light turns on by itself, apps suddenly start working extra slowly—take a look at your running processes using Windows Task Manager or Activity Monitor on OS X. If you encounter any odd-looking programs hogging system resources, look them up on Google. If you find anything with a bad rep, delete it. If the problem doesn't go away, reinstall your operating system.

Smartphones track user behavior and location natively and through third-party apps. To find out which apps are accessing personal data on Apple iOS devices, check the Privacy settings menu. You can also limit targeted advertising and stop Apple from collecting usage data in the About menu under General settings. On Android devices, find and delete info-sniffing apps from the Application Manager. 

Read more: How to Thwart 5 Digital Snooping Threats - Popular Mechanics