What is spyware?
Any software that collects and transmits information from a system without permission from the user and using covert tactics like riding piggyback on suspicious websites is termed spyware. It can collect information from a target like passwords, financial information, credit cards and system files data. It can also resort to keylogging and screen capture.
Your computer starts running slower
If your computer suddenly starts acting up and slows down, taking longer than usual to turn on or open common applications, this is a sign that it could be infected with malaware like a worm or even worse still, a Trojan horse. Founder and CEO of elMejortrato.com, Sophie Miles says “This happens because malicious software consumes too many CPU resources, which overloads your computer and causes it to run much slower than normal.”
Technically problems can also slow down a computer
Computers can also slow down for other technical reasons like poor maintenance, improper usage, overheating and hard disk damage. Never shut off your computer abruptly in anyway other than the shutdown option.
Your fans go into hyperspeed
If your cellphone, laptop or computer suddenly starts heating up unusually, if it is consuming excess processing power or if the battery life keeps dying down, then these are signs of spyware, cryptomining malware or viruses. If you find that you have to charge your phone two to three times a day, if it always feels hot, then this is a sign that malware is activated and utilizing a lot of CPU power.
You used someone else’s USB drive
This is one of the most common practices that should be avoided at all costs. You should never use someone else’s USB neither should you use your USB on public machines. Such things could be infected and full of viruses. So if a co-worker or friend is using your computer, politely ask them not to stick a usb into it.
Your webcam suddenly starts recording
If you notice your microphone or webcam turning on by itself, this could mean that your computer is infected. Spies aren’t just trying to look at you in some uncompromising position or take explicit photos of you, they are more interested in your passwords and data as you type them into your computer. Cover your laptop cam with a tape and moreover, change your password every three months.
Unknown sending and receiving
According to Jack Vonder Heide of Technology Briefing Center Inc, one big indication that someone is controlling you computer is when your computers send and receive lights blink even if your machine is idle.
Your apps are acting up
Hackers have adopted a new approach to collecting data. They inject a code to the target app making the app run slow as a result. It can also crash frequently. Apps are best secured by complicated passwords. As much as possible, do not divulge much financial data on such apps or use the save option for passwords and credit card information.
You start seeing more pop-up ads
When you switch on your computer and suddenly find different plug-ins or add-ins which you did not download, then it is a clear sign your machine is infected says Richard Ford, PhD and chief scientist at Forcepoint. These add-ins can enable an attacker or hacker to get access to your computer. Today the internet is full of such pop-ups and ads which you should close immediately.
Your homepage has changed
If you open up your browser and you find some unfamiliar page opening up instead of the usual one, if you type one particular name in your browser and another opens up with a website list, then this could be signs of spyware. This is even more so if you find a sudden change in your browser settings or if they have been modified and cannot be unchanged. You may have to reformat and install windows again in such a case.
You find mysterious tools on your computer
There are several types of spyware created by innovative hackers. These can be in the guise of files appearing on your computer like toolbars or tray icons that were not installed by you. You may also find that your anti-virus and some system tools have been deactivated, unresponsive or aren’t running normally.
Websites stop responding
When multiple websites that are not related stop responding especially when colleagues using the same network do not face such problems, it means something is definitely wrong with your system and it may be infected. This symptom is a serious red flag that warrants immediate attention as it could ultimately affect the entire network.
You get a warning
Do not ignore those anti-virus warnings that crop up on your screen says Adam Dean security specialist at GreyCastle Security. Neither should you think that it removed the virus in your computer. Your anti-virus is warning you that your computer does have an issue, it hasn’t deleted the virus. You have to take action.
Cryptomining can be using your processor
How happy many get when a movie from pirate bay downloads in minutes. But when you visit those pirate bay links, have you seen the small print mentioned below? Once you have entered the name of a movie you wanted to download, a list of the torrents will appear. Look at the bottom of the screen; you will see a statement that says “By entering TPB you agree to XMR being mined using your CPU. If you don't agree please leave now or install an adBlocker”.
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