How to Check for Spyware on the Computer?

Cyber Security
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  1. MSCONFIG. Check for spyware in StartUp by typing Msconfig in the Windows search bar. …
  2. TEMP Folder. You can also check for spyware in the TEMP Folder. …
  3. Install an Anti Malware Software. The best way to check for spyware is by scanning the computer with anti malware software.

Spyware is malicious software designed to monitor computer activities. Once installed, it gains access to the camera, mic, and browser enabling it to track and record conversations and online transactions.

Because Spyware can lie between the web server and web browser, it can view the details of online searches allowing it to steal passwords and other personal information. By manipulating the mic and camera, it can watch the victim and listen to conversations without being exposed. That is why it is important to check for spyware on the computer.

Spyware is designed not to cause computer glitches, so it can go undetected for a long time because there’s usually no warning sign of an infection. The victim will never have a knowledge that spyware is lurking in the computer until the personal details are used for unauthorized transactions.

Spyware transmits the collected information to the hacker. The hacker then can use the information to withdraw money from the bank, make online transactions, and more! If you suspect that a spyware is hiding in the computer, here are some ways to check for spyware.

  1. MSCONFIG
    Check for spyware in StartUp by typing Msconfig in the Windows search bar. If you notice any suspicious software running in StartUp consuming a substantial amount for memory, temporarily terminate its process. If you’re unsure what the program is, search for it online. Once confirmed malicious, uninstall it from the computer. You may have installed it unintentionally after downloading infected software. Malware such as trojan, spyware, ransomware, virus, and worms often pretends as fake software to lure in their victims.
  2. TEMP Folder
    You can also check for spyware in the TEMP Folder. The TEMP folder is created by the computer to pull up a program or website more easily. But it usually contains more than just the temporary files. This is where malware often hides. If you notice a suspicious file in the TEMP folder, delete it. To ensure that all the malicious software are removed, delete everything in the TEMP folder, those are just temporary data stored in the computer anyway.
  3. Install an Anti Malware Software
    The best way to check for spyware is by scanning the computer with anti malware software. The anti malware software deep scans the hard drive to detect and remove any threat lurking in the computer. If you have anti malware software installed on the computer, you can run the scanner and it will show the threats detected in the computer. You can download free anti malware software such as Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection.