Spyware on PC: prevent, detect and defeat

As internet applications become more diverse, they require more complex security protocols to remain usable and safe. For instance, you do not want the data your smart home gadgets transmit to be compromised during transit.

Additionally, users prioritize respect when it comes to their data. However, besides somewhat legal tracking happening online, we see spyware, a threat that usually plans to do something more vicious with logged data.

After all, your data is more valuable than you might think. Of course, hackers are usually after details like credit card numbers. However, information like names, phone numbers, and physical addresses can be just as attractive for them. So, let's discuss the threat of spyware and how you can keep your PC safe.

Difference between spyware and ransomware

While you may consider them the same, there are differences between spyware and ransomware. Those relate to not only how they function but the security approaches as well.

In the case of ransomware, malicious software may find its way to your system and restrict your access to specific files. It can also encrypt files, making them completely unusable. Then, hackers demand reasons for decryption keys, which may or may not exist. Even if victims pay ransoms, they might never get their files back. You can avoid it if you have a data backup offline or via a cloud-based service.

On the other hand, spyware hopes to be as secretive as possible while it logs data and steals files. It doesn’t focus on making clear changes to your device. Instead, it does everything to gain access to potentially valuable assets. In some instances, spyware could target the microphone and camera. Such access is incredibly dangerous as it can reveal much more about the victim.

Spyware can send sensitive data, such as bank logins, locations, and photographs of official IDs, back to a hacker. Keyloggers are another unfortunate example. They can record what you type into the computer, allowing hackers to assess passwords for your social media and financial accounts.

How to detect spyware on your PC

Due to their clandestine nature, spyware is hard to detect on your system until it’s too late. However, you can implement a few security habits to reduce that timeframe. If you realize you have spyware, you can secure your sensitive data and remain careful with your device till the problem gets sorted.

Check background tasks

Background tasks are processes that run without an active window on your OS. These usually include critical system processes but might also have spyware in their midst. You can access background tasks in Windows through the Processes tab in the Task Manager.

Alternatively, you can open the Run window (Windows+R key by default) and type in ‘msconfig’ in the dialogue box. See if any suspicious programs are running. You can check their authenticity by copying their titles and searching them on Google or trusted cybersecurity forums. Also, follow other recommendations for determining whether specific Windows processes are safe.

Monitor any recently installed apps

If you have a recently installed application on your PC that you don’t know about, it might be spyware. It is best not to launch it right away. Try to research it online or scan it for any unauthorized external connections.

Run an anti-virus scan

Regarding scanning, anti-virus software like Norton and McAfee often have spyware detection tools with their premium plans. If you scan your system, the anti-virus can let you know if any program is doing something it's not supposed to.

Examine all connected devices

Spyware needs to maintain a connection to its origin system to send the data from your PC. Thus, you should check for unusual networks from your Wi-Fi router or computer. While the former is straightforward, you can perform the latter by typing the "arp -a" command in the Command Prompt window. Security experts often use this technique to trace a hacker's location.

Steps to remove spyware from your PC

Now that you know how to detect spyware on your PC, you can take the appropriate steps to remove it.

Delete temporary files

Temporary files are a great hiding spot for spyware. They don't take up much space on a hard drive and can hide from a scan. It is an excellent idea to delete temporary files from your PC. You can locate and delete them manually as they have a .tmp extension. Or you can use anti-virus software to do it for you.

Uninstall unwanted or suspicious software

If you want unwanted software off your computer, you can uninstall it from Settings. Under the Apps & Features tab, click on the three-dot icon next to the program and click on the 'Uninstall' button.

Quarantine files that can’t be deleted

If you're having trouble deleting software, you can still quarantine the files so that no programs on your computer, including Windows Explorer, can access those. It is a feature you can find on most anti-virus programs.

Remain restrictive with app permissions

Spyware counts on your ignorance of the app permissions for your smartphone and PC. If you grant permission for location, peripheral, and storage access to strictly necessary programs, it can be hard for any spyware to track you.

Secure Your Internet Connection

Almost all instances of spyware occur through the internet. Therefore, it is wise to secure your connection, especially when you're using public Wi-Fi networks. A proven way to encrypt your incoming/outgoing transmissions is to use a VPN for PC.

A Virtual Private Network application secures all internet data to and from your system using protocols like AES-256-bit encryption. That makes it extremely hard for any spyware to slip through. Moreover, it shifts your IP address to any other server worldwide, so hackers can never determine your location. So, it will also prevent snoopy online entities from extracting location details from IP addresses.

Final words

Spyware can be a devastating infection. If it manages to steal confidential files, your identity might be in danger. Therefore, always keep track of the installed applications and processes. Also, protect your internet connection to stop snoopers from capturing information about your online activities.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes