Computer exchange tracking program. Video "Installing Observer". Monitoring the launch and closure of programs

Spyware is used to monitor the computer equipment of office workers and employees of enterprises. It is also a good solution for monitoring children while parents are not at home.

Spyware for your computer has nothing to do with malicious software. Mostly installed with the permission of the PC administrator and do not cause any harm. Viruses act on a different principle, they are installed without the administrator's permission, deliberately spying on the user, collecting confidential information and transferring it to third parties. The management of companies and enterprises inform their employees about the established programs for controlling the production process.

Spyware for computer

- this spyware is a universal tool for monitoring user actions on a personal computer. Several are available installation options: admin and hidden. With a hidden installation, processes are not displayed in the task manager. The program is used to monitor children at home and monitor the actions of employees at the enterprise. Neospy software shareware, you can purchase the paid version at a price of 1990 rubles on the official website.

NeoSpay features:

• interception keystrokes;
• possibility of creating screenshots;
• collection data on system events;
• tracking using instant messengers and recording voice / video calls;
• report about the work of the computer.

Advantages:

• Russian-language interface;
• functionality;
• real-time computer monitoring;
• hidden installation.

Disadvantages:

Is a universal English-language spy program. The main feature of this software is that it not only tracks user actions, but also blocks certain operations on the computer. When creating an account, users can add a ban on certain actions on the PC. To use the full functionality, you will need purchase the paid version at a price of $ 40.

Capabilities:

• monitoring typed text from the keyboard;
• report about system events;
• creature multiple accounts.

Advantages:

• creating a policy of prohibitions on the execution of certain actions on a PC;
• work in a semi-concealed mode.

Disadvantages:

- used as keylogger, while it has additional functionality:

• control over the contents of the clipboard;
• the ability to take screenshots of the screen;
• spying on visited sites.

The program has no special advantages, it contains quite standard functions for such software. Of the shortcomings it can be noted that when using the module for tracking keystrokes on the keyboard, only English text is recorded correctly.

SpyGo

This computer tracking software is for home use only. SpyGo can also be used to track employees of offices and enterprises. Program shareware, you can purchase the full version at a price of 990 to 2990 rubles, depending on the set of options.

Capabilities:

• keyboard spy;
• recording system events on the PC (launching applications, working with files, etc.);
• control visits to web resources;
• getting images from the user's screen in real time;
• obtaining information about the contents of the clipboard;
• opportunity to receive microphone recording(if connected).

Advantages:

• work in covert surveillance mode;
• reports on the work of the computer;
• tracking of search queries and the time of visiting Internet sites.

Disadvantages:

Snitch

Snitch is an easy-to-use spy program that allows you to monitor user activity on your PC.

Capabilities:

• monitoring keyboard, clipboard and system events;
• tracking user actions on the Internet and in messengers;
• drawing up summary reports about the work of the computer.

Advantages:

• blocking the forced termination of the process in the task manager;

Disadvantages:

• there is no hidden mode of operation;
• conflicts with antivirus software.

- the utility is a keylogger, it allows you to save data entered in the windows of any programs, browsers, instant messengers, etc. Also provides detailed report in the work of the PC. The program works in hidden mode, does not appear in the task manager and does not create shortcuts on the desktop or in the Start menu. The program can purchase by price 49$.

Capabilities:

• reading typed texts from all filling forms;
• hidden operating mode;
• getting screen data user in real time;
• sound microphone recording.

Advantages:

• functionality;
• provision of summary reports;
• hidden mode of operation.

Disadvantages:

Expert Home

Expert Home is a free computer activity tracking software that allows track and record all user actions. This software is used primarily for parental control.

Capabilities:

• interception keystrokes;
• creature pictures screen;
• blocking certain actions on the computer;
• granting reports about system events on the PC.

Advantages:

• hidden mode of operation;
• convenient navigation;
• undemanding to resources.

Disadvantages:

SC-KeyLog

Free software designed to track keystrokes on the keyboard. Additionally, SC-KeyLog has the ability to collect data on mouse clicks.

Capabilities:

• data collection entered from the keyboard;
• tracking sites visited;
• hidden mode work;
• report with information about the actions performed from the PC.

Advantages:

• distributed free of charge;
• collection of data on all actions on the PC (launching applications, working with files).

Disadvantages:

- completely free keylogger for Windows 7/8/10 that allows detailed monitoring of user activity. Ideally used as a parental control tool.

Capabilities:

• invisibility in the task manager;
• collection entered data from the keyboard;
• tracking websites visited.

Advantages:

• free distribution;
• functionality;
• user-friendly interface.

No flaws were found in the program.

Winspy

- this spyware program is used as a means of parental control and monitoring the activity of workers on computers.

Capabilities:

• remote installation;
• interception text information from the keyboard;
• hidden operating mode.

Advantages:

• undemanding to the resources of the operating system;
• functionality.

Disadvantages:

Vkurse for Android

Vkurse - spyware for devices running Android OS... Allows real-time tracking of user actions on a phone or tablet.

Capabilities:

• simultaneous control behind all messengers running on the device;
• allows to take a photo screen;
• tracking entered text information from the Android keyboard;
• detection using GPS;
• recording incoming and outgoing calls.

Advantages:

• hidden mode of operation without an active window;
• the ability to install without root;
• does not boot the system.

Disadvantages:

• the ability to detect the application through the "Task Manager" (task manager).

How to detect spyware on your computer

If the spyware runs in stealth mode, it can be difficult to detect. Our review used only legal software which is not malicious, but at the same time it can be detected by antivirus software. It is recommended that you add such software to exceptions. If you do not need to uninstall the program, but you only need to disguise your actions on the PC from it, you will use anti-espionage tools that will block the interception of keyboard presses.

How to monitor employees, monitor children, or monitor a person at a computer?

It is difficult to imagine the everyday life of a modern person without using a computer or mobile devices connected to the global network and used every day to receive and process information for personal and business purposes. Computers have become a part of the lives of not only adults, but also teenagers and children who spend several hours on the Internet every day.

Modern schoolchildren from the first grades learn to use computer technologies and actively use them for educational and entertainment purposes. Unfortunately, the Internet is flooded not only with workshops on solving problems in physics or mathematics, which do not pose a threat to the fragile child's psyche. The global network contains countless unsafe websites, including extremist, sectarian and “adult” sites, which can seriously harm the normal development of a child as a person and lead to problems in the future. Agree, you would not want your child to study occult rituals or browse pages of questionable content instead of studying after school.

In view of the above, many parents may have a very reasonable question: "How to protect a child from the harmful influence of the Internet?", “How to find out what the child is doing in his free time at the computer?”, “Who does the beloved child communicate with?”, “ How to organize supervision of children?».

There are many programs for monitoring computer activity and spyware, but, as a rule, all of them are paid, slow down the computer's performance and are easily detected even by inexperienced users. In reality, you can only view the contents of the log files with the entered data on the keyboard and, in some cases, screenshots of the screen. In addition, you can view these log files only on the computer where these files were created. Those. if you are in a remote location, you will not be able to view these files. Of course, you can set up automatic sending of these logs to the mail or server, but this is associated with additional difficulties and a waste of time. Plus, it's just inconvenient.

For full control over children, it can be very convenient to use remote access programs to a computer over the Internet. Some of these programs are very easy to configure, or to be more precise, they practically do not require it and are able to instantly establish a connection with any computer connected to the Internet.

One of these programs is Ammyy Admin. And despite the fact that the main application area of ​​the program is the provision of remote technical support, the features and versatility of Ammyy Admin make it easy to use it as a means of remote control over children. When it comes to business, monitoring and control of employees is also one of the areas of application of the program.

Why use Ammyy Admin to monitor children remotely?

1. You can connect to any PC in a few seconds.
2. You can view the image of the remote computer from any other computer connected to the Internet. No tedious settings, registrations and installations!
3. Ammyy Admin bypasses all known firewalls and antiviruses (which cannot be said about keyloggers) and does not require installation. With the right settings, it will be almost impossible to detect Ammyy Admin.
4. Your child will never realize that someone is watching him in real time.
5. You can interactively turn on voice chat and listen to what is happening on the side of the remote PC.
6. Ammyy Admin is completely free for home use, provided that you have not exceeded the limit for using the free version.

How to set up child monitoring with Ammyy Admin?

So, the procedure for setting up the program is extremely simple and will not take more than a minute.

What needs to be done on the remote computer that we will monitor:

What needs to be done on the computer from which we are monitoring:

If you want to organize employee control by monitoring their work computers, in some countries you need to warn them about it. In any case, it will be useful to do this, since knowing that the computer is under surveillance, the employee will not engage in extraneous business on the work computer, which will reduce the risk of virus infection and leakage of confidential information, as well as increase the useful time of work.

Online tracking and remote control

How can you track a child if you are not around? Easily. There are programs that allow you to view the screen over the Internet by linking to your account. Moreover, in addition to the tracking function, each of these programs has a lot of additional functions. Let's take a look at the most popular tracking and remote control software.

NeoSpy is a program for remote monitoring of a user's PC with the function of online viewing of the screen via the Internet (linked to an account). With this software product, you can always view the screen of your home or work PC, not only from another computer, but even from a phone or tablet via the Internet. The program is easy to install: you download the installation wizard from the official website, which downloads the program itself and installs (by the way, there are no advertising and intrusive toolbars, which even large software companies have been sinning lately). Further, after installation, we go to the settings and bind the program to the account, after which the function of viewing the screen online will be available.

NeoSpy spy program

In addition to the usual viewing, you can choose what to watch: the windows that open, the text typed on the keyboard, the sites visited by the user, as well as the correspondence in the messengers installed on the user's PC.

As you can see from the screenshot of the settings, the program provides a lot of possibilities, which everyone chooses for themselves, based on their goals and objectives.

Linking your account is a snap. We select the item "View via the Internet", enter the username and password, click "Connect". Turn on tracking.

Now go to the program's website, enter your username and password, go to the "Account" tab and click on "Your computers".

Online tracking in your account

In addition to viewing the screen itself, you can connect to your webcam, which will help you observe not only the actions on the computer, but also around it. You can track if your child is doing their homework.

If the program is on a portable device, the program shows the geographic location of your device on the map at the time of use.

It should be noted that of the considered programs of this kind, it is NeoSpy that makes it possible to conduct hidden online tracking and allows you to save video from the screen in your account. It is also possible to skip rather than watch the entire video. Unlike NeoSpy, other programs do not save video, and tracking requires you to be connected to the screen at all times.

What else can be done with NeoSpy?

Traffic encryption. All data transmitted through the server is securely encrypted. They are almost impossible to decipher. NeoSpy uses AES encryption of data transmitted over the network (image screen, motion pointer, keyboard signals, etc.). Double password protection. The first is the online account: the password that is used to log into the online system. This only allows you to view the list of computers previously added to the online system, but does not allow contacting them. The second (and most important) password is the access password, which allows you to connect to your computer and see confidential data.

Main window interface

When using the "Messages" option, you can notify the user about something. Other safety features:
The user cannot remove or close the tracking module even through the task manager.

When controlling a remote PC, the screen of that computer (over the Internet or LAN) is displayed on your own monitor. That is, you can see everything on the remote PC as if you were sitting in front of it, regardless of the distance between the PCs.

The program allows you to work with different remote PCs at the same time, from anywhere in the world.

The main advantages of NeoSpy remote control software are:
- Built-in keylogger;
- High speed and performance;
- Internet gateway allows you to connect to a remote PC behind a firewall or when there is no routing IP address or the IP address changes dynamically - this is a unique feature of the program!
- Low load on the network, due to the optimized data compression algorithm. The encryption algorithm makes the use of the program absolutely safe;
- Multiple simultaneous connections. With this function, the network administrator can efficiently view different remote computers at the same time;
- The graphical interface is convenient and intuitive;
- Remote desktop is easy to install. You don't need to be a computer expert to set up and operate this software.

UltraVNC - This program is powerful and simple, and just as importantly, it's free. It displays the desktop of the remote PC (via the Internet or local area network) on your computer screen. The program allows you to use your mouse and keyboard to control the remote computer to which you are connected. You can control this computer as if it were your own. For technical support workers, this program will be especially useful because will help you quickly access the client's PC and carry out the necessary operations, wherever the client is. The program does not require particularly complex actions from the client and is launched from a file. UltraVNC works fine under almost all operating systems (Windows: from Windows 95 to Windows8, Linux, Mac OS) x32 and x64. With the built-in viewer, you can exchange files between computers.

UltraVNC interface

Who will benefit from UltraVNC - For those who need support for remote Windows users. The products have been specially designed to meet the needs of:

• Help desk;
• IT departments;
• Users who want to help their family and friends, or access their home PCs from work or internet cafes.

DameWare Mini Remote Control

Powerful remote control software for PCs that run on Windows, Linux and Mac OS. DameWare Mini Remote Control (MRC) is one of the best remote control software. DameWare Mini Remote Control is available from the DameWare central server and administration console for advanced management. MRC is licensed for the number of equipment in your organization. The program was created more than 10 years ago and since then thousands of IT administrators have gotten the perfect connection to remote servers, PCs and laptops thanks to DameWare Mini Remote Control. DameWare MRC provides remote control for Mac OS X, Windows and Linux systems and includes many great features for remote PC control.

Intuitive management interface. You can receive information from remote computers that can be located anywhere: in the same building, on the other side of the city, or around the world. DameWare MRC makes remote desktop use incredibly fast.

Benefits of DameWare Mini Remote Control:

• Remote control of Windows, Mac OS X and Linux systems. Connection via MRK, RDP or VNC from one console. A separate screen is created for each user, for easy remote troubleshooting. Possibility to transfer files during remote control sessions Mini Remote Control can be deployed from DameWare's central server and administration console, which provide enhanced control from a single center. You can restart your computer and turn on sleeping computers, remotely edit BIOS settings, create Mount ISO images on remote PCs. It is possible to install or reinstall the OS remotely.

  With the chat feature in DameWare MRC, you can chat online with remote users to customize their computer. DameWare MRC allows you to define rules for accessing remote PCs for different types of users: require non - administrators to get permission for remote connections; allow administrators to connect without permission; manage access rights using Group Policy. Automatically deploy remote control: DameWare MSI Builder is included in the MRC, which allows you to create an MSI package for installing the MRC client service agent, including with any custom settings. DameWare Mini Remote Control supports identification and remote connection using a smart card. MRC is part of the DameWare Remote Support System (DRS) administration tool. In addition to RTOs, the DRS software package includes DameWare Mobile, Windows administration, Active Directory, management, configuration and export tools. However, please note that to download the trial version, you will need to fill out a registration form.

Radmin 3 is a program for remote control of your Windows PC. The program makes it possible to work on several computers at once quite fully, simply by connecting to the desktop of a remote PC. The software allows you to use many languages, exchange files. The ability to work in Telnet mode makes it possible to manage a large organization remotely without problems.

Remote control Radmin

Features of the program:
- The program is compatible with all versions of Windows.
- Excellent working speed.
- Secure connection.
- Supports Intel ® AMT features.
- Works under Windows 8 x86 and x64.
- Support for multi-user chats, both text and voice.
- Working with multiple monitors.
- Easy and simple to install.
- File transfer is protected.
- Doesn't require a lot of system resources.
- Supports multiple connections at the same time.
- Technical support is free.
Additional features:

Choice of screen color rendering mode: from 2 thousand to 16 million colors.
- Mouse wheel support.
- Support for keyboard shortcuts.
- There is no restriction on the screen resolution of the remote PC.
- The viewer is compatible with Wine (works under Linux OS).
- Clipboard support.
- Unlimited address book.
- Built-in search for Radmin servers.
- Great help.
- Work in TelNet mode.
- Ability to remotely shutdown the PC.
- Logging of all connections.

Another program that allows you to easily connect to any computer that has Internet access is TeamViewer. All you need is an ID and a password, because the program has the ability to run even without installation. TeamViewer is a program for managing a PC, showing a specific window from your screen to other users, which helps to conduct employee training, hold meetings, listen to employees' reports and simply discuss and plan work without leaving the computer.

Remote control via TeamViewer

You can create an account on the program's website and add any computer to your address book. Lists inside the book are supported, which will allow you to connect to the desired computer in just two clicks, simply by selecting the desired PC name from the list. For persistent connections, you can set a permanent password and save it in the address book. This will allow you to quickly connect to the desired computer without entering a password. TeamViewer advantages: The program has a conference mode (but there is a limitation of 25 participants). There is support for mobile devices. You can take screenshots in real time. TeamViewer guarantees a secure connection. The program is shareware and has free usage restrictions. Paid options are more suitable for large companies. However, there are some connectivity issues between different versions. A user with version 9 will no longer be able to connect to a user with version 4.

Anyplace Control is a remote control program. The program displays the remote desktop of the client's computer on your screen and allows you to control it remotely using your own mouse and keyboard. Some of the popular software applications include remote support within a corporate environment or simply work from home with remote access to office computers.

Transfer files between PCs Anyplace Control provides a simple and secure option for transferring files between PCs using an interface that is similar to Windows XP Explorer. Anyplace Control file transfer software is very fast and reliable. Even in the event of a network failure, it will resume transmission at the point where the failure occurred. Thus, there is no need to start the procedure again. No need to configure router or firewall. You can connect to the remote desktop in three different ways: "Connection IP", "Account Connection" and "Computer Connection ID" Anyplace Control provides access to remote PCs over the Internet that do not have external IP addresses. You can easily connect to other PCs with dynamic IP addresses or internal (192.168.xx) addresses without any additional network configurations. You can easily connect to your PC over the Internet, even if it is behind a router, firewall or proxy server. No need to open firewall ports or configure your router.

Anyplace Control interface

You can connect to your client in a few clicks. Anyplace Control does not require any special computer skills. If the standard installation of the host module is too complex, then the remote user can manually download the software by clicking on a special link that has a pre-configured host module (does not require installation or any additional configuration).

Summing up, we can say that most programs support the most necessary functions - direct control of a remote PC. Some are free of charge, some will have to be purchased. Some programs support the creation of accounts, which further greatly simplifies remote management. Often, you can simply view the screen of a remote computer without taking control of the latter. However, not all programs are multiplatform. Some people work exclusively under the control of only one operating system, which is not very convenient in a large organization. For such purposes, it is much more expedient to use paid global products that support the creation of accounts and lists of PCs, save passwords, run under most of the most popular operating systems, and which are easily integrated into a large organization. If you just need to periodically monitor the screen of your home PC remotely, there is no point in buying expensive software, most of the functions of which you will not need. It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the program itself: some clearly show your remote presence on the computer, and some do not show themselves in any way, which will be very useful for covert monitoring of the computer.

Programs that might interest you

- a program for tracking your computer.

- Checking the loyalty of the spouses;
- Control of children on the Internet;
- Calculation of careless employees at work.

NeoSpy intercepts and sends you email all correspondence, screenshots, visited sites and passwords.

PasswordSpy- program for recovering saved passwords from browsers and email programs.

- Recover lost passwords;
- Support for more than 100 programs (ie, chrome, opera, firefox, outlook, the bat! And others);
- The portable version can be run from a USB stick.

Browsers, email programs, instant messaging programs store information about the passwords you use and PasswordSpy can recover them.

VoiceSpy- a program for the hidden recording of Skype conversations.

- Fast installation and permanent recording of all conversations;
- Completely hidden mode of operation;
- Sending recorded conversations in mp3 to e-mail.

Internet Sheriff- a program for blocking unwanted sites.

- Protection of the child from harmful and corrupting information;
- Blocking of entertainment and social networks for employees;
- Ready-made lists of porn sites, social networks, entertainment sites.

Reprinting of materials from the site is allowed only if all indexed links are saved, including links to the program page in the site catalog

Almost all users are now familiar with viruses and the consequences of their impact on computer systems. Among all the most widespread threats, a separate place is occupied by spyware that monitors the actions of users and steals confidential information. Further, it will be shown what such applications and applets are, and the question related to how to detect spyware on a computer and get rid of such a threat without harm to the system will be considered.

What is spyware?

To begin with, spyware, or executable applets, commonly referred to as Spyware, in the usual sense are not viruses per se. That is, they have practically no effect on the system in terms of its integrity or performance, although when computers become infected, they can constantly reside in RAM and consume some of the system resources. But, as a rule, this does not particularly affect the operating speed of the OS.

But their main purpose is precisely tracking the user's work, and, if possible, stealing confidential data, replacing e-mail with the purpose of sending spam, analyzing requests on the Internet and redirecting to sites containing malware, analyzing information on the hard drive, etc. 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, let alone the built-in Windows firewall, give complete confidence in security. Some applications may simply not be recognized. This is where a completely natural question arises: "What then should be the protection of your computer from spyware?" Let's try to consider the main aspects and concepts.

Types of spyware

Before proceeding with a practical solution, you should have a clear idea of ​​which applications and applets belong to the Spyware class. Today, there are several main types:

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

Each such program has a different effect on the system, so let's see how spyware penetrates the computer and what it can do to the infected system.

Methods of Spyware Penetration 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 are used to penetrate local computer systems or networks.

In some cases, the user himself installs spyware on a computer, no matter how paradoxical it sounds. In most cases, he doesn't even know about it. And everything is banal and 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 suggesting the installation of some additional software product or add-on to the Internet browser. Usually all this is written in small print. The user, striving to quickly complete the installation process and start working with a new application, often does not pay attention to it, agrees with all the conditions and ... as a result, gets an embedded "agent" for collecting information.

Sometimes spyware is installed on a computer in the background, disguising itself later on 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 Web. As already clear, it is simply impossible to track such an installation without special protection.

Impact consequences

As for the harm caused by spies, as already mentioned, this does not affect the system as a whole 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, in other words, they are precisely able to monitor the character set, which gives the attacker the opportunity to obtain the same logins and passwords, bank details or card PIN codes, and that's all- what the user would not like to make the property of a wide range of people. As a rule, after determining all the data, they are sent either to a remote server or by e-mail, of course, in a 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 the hard disk (hard drive scanners can easily find them), but on removable media, and at least on a flash drive, and always together with the decoder key.

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

Tracking the screen 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 result. And if two spies are working at the same time, then you can't hide anywhere.

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

Proxy spies do harm only in the sense that they turn a local computer terminal into a kind of proxy server. Why is this needed? Yes, only to hide behind, say, the user's IP address when committing illegal actions. Naturally, the user is not aware of this. For example, someone hacked into the security system of a bank and stole a certain amount of money. Tracking actions by authorized services reveals that the hacking was made from a terminal with such and such an IP located at such and such an address. The secret services come to the unsuspecting person and send him to jail. Isn't there anything good about it?

The first symptoms of infection

Now let's get down to practice. How to check a computer for spyware if, for some reason, doubts about the integrity of the security system have crept in? To do this, you need to know how the impact of such applications manifests itself in the early stages.

If, for no reason at all, a decrease in performance is noticed, or the system periodically "freezes", or refuses to work at all, first you should look at the use of 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 only the first bell. 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 with connecting to the Internet begin, the start page changes, etc.

How to check your computer for spyware

As for the scan, standard antiviruses will not help here, especially if they have already missed the threat. At a minimum, you need some kind of portable version like the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (or better, something like the Rescue Disc with a system check before it boots).

How do I find spyware on my 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 the subsequent removal. But here, too, there are things worth paying attention to.

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

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 components 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 a standard way, allow you to perform in-depth scanning to find residual files or even keys and entries in the system registry.

Now a few words about the sensational Spyhunter utility. Many call it almost a panacea for all ills. Let us disagree with this. She still scans the system, however, sometimes it gives a false alarm. This is not the problem. The fact is that uninstalling it turns out to be quite problematic. For an ordinary user, from all the number of actions that need to be performed, his head is spinning.

What to use? You can protect against such threats and search for spyware on your computer, for example, even using ESETNOD32 or Smart Security with Anti-Theft enabled. However, everyone chooses for himself what is best and easier for him.

Legalized espionage in Windows 10

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

Windows 10 in this regard has distinguished itself not for the better. There are a bunch of services that need to be disabled (communicating with remote Microsoft servers, using identification to receive ads, sending data to a company, locating using telemetry, receiving updates from multiple locations, etc.).

Is there 100% protection?

If you look closely at how spyware penetrates your computer and what they do afterwards, you can only say one thing about 100% protection: it does not exist. Even with the use of the entire arsenal of means in safety, you can be sure of 80 percent, no more. However, on the part of the user himself, there should be no provocative actions in the form of visiting dubious sites, installing unsafe software, ignoring antivirus warnings, opening email attachments from unknown sources, etc.

Who among us didn't want to feel like a cool hacker at least once and break at least something? :) Even if not, then how great it would be to get a password from mail / social. the network of a friend, wife / husband, roommate thought at least once everyone. :) And you have to start somewhere, after all! A significant part of attacks (hacks) involves infecting the victim's computer with so-called keyloggers (spyware).

So, in today's article we'll talk about what are free software for tracking windows based computers, where you can download their full versions, how to infect the victim's computer with them, and what are the features of their use.

But first, a little introduction.

What is and why are keyloggers needed?

What it is, I think, you guessed it yourself. As a rule, they are a kind of program that is hidden (although this is not always the case) installed on the victim's computer, after which it records absolutely all keystrokes on the given node. In this case, in addition to the presses themselves, the following is usually recorded: the date-time of the click (action) and the program in which these actions were performed (browser, including the site address (hurray, we immediately see what the passwords are from!); Local application; system services (including passwords for logging into windows), etc.).

From here, one of the problems is immediately visible: I get access to my neighbor's computer for a couple of minutes and I want to get her VK password! I installed a miracle program and returned the computer. How can I then look at passwords? Looking for a way to take the computer from her again? The good news is: usually not. Most keyloggers are able not only to store the entire accumulated base of actions locally, but also to send it remotely. There are a lot of options for sending logs:

• Fixed e-mail (there may be several) - the most convenient option;
• FTP server (who has it);
• SMB server (exotic, and not very convenient).
• Fixed flash drive (insert it into the USB port of the victim's computer, and all logs are copied there automatically in invisible mode!).

Why is all this necessary? I think the answer is obvious. In addition to the banal stealing of passwords, some keyloggers can also do a number of nice things:

• Logging of correspondence in the specified social. networks or messengers (for example, Skype).
• Taking screenshots of the screen.
• Viewing / capturing data from a webcam (which can be very interesting).

How to use keyloggers?

And this is not an easy question. You have to understand that just finding a convenient functional good keylogger is not enough.

So, what is needed for the successful operation of the spyware:

• Administrator access to a remote computer.
  Moreover, it is not at all necessary just physical access. You can easily access it via RDP (Remote Desktop Service); TeamViewer; AmmyAdmin, etc.
  As a rule, the greatest difficulties are associated with this item. However, I recently wrote an article on how to get administrator rights in Windows.
• Anonymous e-mail / ftp (by which you will not be calculated).
  Of course, if you break your neighbor Aunt Shura, this item can be safely omitted. As in the case if you have the victim's computer always at hand (ala, find out the passwords of the brother / sister).
• Lack of working antivirus / internal Windows protection systems.
  Most public keyloggers (which will be discussed below) are known to the overwhelming majority of antivirus software (although there are logging viruses that are embedded in the OS kernel or system driver, and antiviruses can no longer detect or destroy them, even if they are found). In view of the above, antivirus software, if any, will have to be mercilessly destroyed. In addition to antiviruses, systems like Windows Defender (which first appeared in Windows 7 and beyond) also pose a threat to our spyware. They catch suspicious activity of the software running on the computer. How to get rid of them can be easily found in Google.

Here, perhaps, are all the necessary and sufficient conditions for your success in the field of stealing other people's passwords / correspondence / photos or whatever else you want to encroach on.

What types of spyware are there and where to download them?

So, let's start an overview of the main keyloggers that I happened to use in my daily practice with links to free download of their full versions (i.e. all the latest versions at the moment (for which you can really find a cure) and with already working and tested cracks).

0. The Rat!

Ratings (out of 10):

• Stealth: 10
• Convenience / usability: 9
• Functionality: 8

This is just a bomb, not a keylogger! In working order it takes 15-20 KB. No wonder: it is entirely written in assembly language (veteran programmers shed tears) and was written mostly by enthusiastic hackers, due to which the level of its secrecy is simply amazing: it works at the OS kernel level!

In addition, the package includes FileConnector - a mini-program that allows you to glue this keylogger with absolutely any program. As a result, you get a new exe-file of practically the same size, and it works exactly the same as the program with which you glued it! But after the first launch, your keylogger will be automatically installed in invisible mode with the parameters of sending logs that you preset. Convenient, isn't it?

A great opportunity for social engineering (bring a game / presentation file to a friend on a flash drive, or you can even just a Word document (I'll tell you how to create an exe-ik that launches a specific word / excel file in one of my next articles), run, everything is fine and fine, but the friend is invisibly already infected!). Or simply send this file to a friend by mail (a link to download it is better, since modern mail servers prohibit sending exe-files). Of course, there is still a risk from antiviruses during installation (but it will not be there after installation).

By the way, with the help of some other tricks, you can glue any hidden installation distribution kit (there are those in The Rat! And Elite keylogger) not only with exe-files (which still arouse suspicions among a little bit advanced users), but also with ordinary word / excel and even pdf files! Nobody would ever think of a simple pdf, but it wasn’t it! :) How this is done is the topic of a whole separate article. Those who are especially zealous can write me questions through the feedback form. ;)

All in all, The Rat! can be described for a very long time and a lot. Much better than me it is done here. There is also a download link.

1. Elite keylogger

Ratings (out of 10):

• Stealth: 10
• Convenience / usability: 9
• Functionality: 8

Perhaps one of the best keyloggers ever created. Its capabilities, in addition to the standard set (interception of all clicks in the context of applications / windows / sites), include interception of messenger messages, snapshots from a webcam, and also - which is VERY important! - interception of passwords of the WinLogon service. In other words, it intercepts Windows logon passwords (including domain passwords!). This became possible thanks to its work at the level of the system driver and launching it at the stage of OS boot. Due to the same feature, this program remains completely invisible to Kaspersky and all other anti-malware software. Frankly, I have not met a single keylogger capable of this.

However, do not flatter yourself too much. The installer itself is recognized by antiviruses very easily and to install it, you will need administrator rights and disabling all antivirus services and services. Once installed, everything will work perfectly anyway.

In addition, the described feature (work at the OS kernel level) introduces requirements for the OS version on which keyloggers will work. Version 5-5.3 (links to which are given below) supports everything up to Windows 7, inclusive. Win 8/10, as well as windows of the server family (2003/2008/2012) are no longer supported. There is version 6, which functions perfectly, incl. on win 8 and 10, however, it is not possible to find a cracked version at the moment. It will probably appear in the future. In the meantime, you can download Elite keylogger 5.3 from the link above.

There is no network mode, therefore, for use by employers (to monitor the computers of their employees) or a whole group of people is not suitable.

An important point is the ability to create an installation distribution with predefined settings (for example, with a given mail address, where you will need to send logs). At the same time, at the output you get a distribution kit that, when launched, does not display absolutely any warnings or windows, and after installation it can even destroy itself (if you check the corresponding option).

Several screenshots of the 5th version (to show how beautiful and convenient everything is):

2. All-in-one keylogger.

Ratings (out of 10):

• Stealth: 3
• Convenience / usability: 9
• Functionality: 8

Also a very, very handy thing. The functionality is quite at the level of the Elite keylogger. With secrecy, things are worse. Winlogon passwords are no longer intercepted, it is not a driver, it is not built into the kernel. However, it is installed in the system and hidden AppData directories, which are not so easy to reach for unauthorized users (not those on whose behalf it is installed). Nevertheless, antiviruses sooner or later successfully do this, which makes this thing not particularly reliable and safe when used, for example, at your work place to spy on your own bosses. ;) It will not work to glue it to something or to encrypt the code to hide it from antiviruses.

Works on any version of Win OS (which is nice and practical).

As for the rest, everything is fine: it logs everything (except passwords for logging into Windows), sends it anywhere (including e-mail, ftp, a fixed flash drive). Convenience is also great.

3. Spytech SpyAgent.

Ratings (out of 10):

• Stealth: 4
• Convenience / usability: 8
• Functionality: 10

Also a good keylogger, albeit with dubious stealth. Supported OS versions are also all possible. The functionality is similar to the previous options. There is an interesting self-destruct function after a specified period of time (or upon reaching a predetermined date).

In addition, it is possible to record video from a webcam and sound from a microphone, which can also be in great demand and which the previous two representatives do not have.

There is a network mode of operation, which is convenient for monitoring an entire network of computers. By the way, StaffCop has it (it is not included in the review due to its uselessness for one user - an individual). Perhaps this program is ideal for employers to spy on their employees (although the leader in this field is unconditionally StaffCop and LanAgent - if you are a legal entity, be sure to look in their direction). Or to keep track of your offspring, who love to sit watching "adult sites". Those. where no more secrecy is needed, but convenience (including a bunch of beautiful logs, reports, etc.) and the functionality of blocking specified sites / programs (it is also available in SpyAgent).

4. Spyrix Personal monitor.

Ratings (out of 10):

• Stealth: 4
• Convenience / usability: 6
• Functionality: 10

The functionality is at the level of the previous candidate, but the same problems with stealth. In addition, the functionality includes an interesting thing: copying files from USB drives inserted into a computer, as well as remote viewing of logs through a web account on the Spyrix website (but we are going to download a cracked version, therefore it will not work for us).

5. Spyrix Personal monitor.

Ratings (out of 10):

• Stealth: 3
• Convenience / usability: 6
• Functionality: 8

I will not describe in detail, tk. this copy does not have anything that one of the previous spies did not have, however, someone may like this keylogger (at least with its interface).

What do we end up with?

The issue of using a keylogger is more ethical than technical, and it strongly depends on your goals.

If you are an employer who wants to control your employees, feel free to put StaffCop, collect written permissions from all employees for such actions (otherwise you may not be attracted weakly for such cases) and it's in the bag. Although I personally know more effective ways to improve the efficiency of my employees.

If you are a beginner IT specialist who just wants to test what it is like to break someone and how it works in general, then arm yourself with social engineering methods and test your friends using any of the examples given. Remember, however, that victim exposure is not conducive to friendship and longevity. ;) And you certainly shouldn't check it at your work. Mark my words: I have experience with this. ;)

If your goal is to spy on a friend, husband, neighbor, or maybe even do it regularly and for money, think carefully about whether it is worth it. After all, sooner or later they can attract. And it's not worth it: "rummaging through someone else's dirty linen is not a pleasant pleasure." If you still need to (or maybe you work in the field of investigating computer crimes and such tasks are part of your professional duties), then there are only two options: The Rat! and Elite Keylogger. In the mode of hidden installation distributions, glued with word / excel / pdf. And it is better, if possible, encrypted with a fresh cryptor. Only in this case it is possible to guarantee more or less safe operation and real success.

But in any case, it is worth remembering that the competent use of keyloggers is only one small link in achieving the goal (including even a simple attack). Administrative rights are not always available, physical access is not always available and not all users will open, read, and even more so download your attachments / links (hello social engineering), the antivirus will not always be disabled / your keylogger / cryptor will not always be unknown to him ... All of these and many of the unsaid problems are solvable, but solving them is the topic of a whole series of separate articles.

In a word, you have just begun to plunge into the complex, dangerous, but insanely interesting world of information security. :)

Yours faithfully,Lysyak A.S.