How to Spot a Spy
Check your browser history., Check to see if third party software is running on your machine., Be aware of your computer or device's operating speed., Check your bills., Watch out for downloads from insecure websites.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Check your browser history.
If there are unusual websites, or sites that you did not visit, someone may be using your computer.
Likewise, if your search history has been cleared out, and you did not do it, someone else may have done so.
In these cases, someone has spied on you by directly accessing your computer.
Remember to turn your machine off when you aren't using it, or have a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols to lock out unwanted users. -
Step 2: Check to see if third party software is running on your machine.
These programs, sometimes called virtual network computing (VNC) software, allow someone to access your computer from a remote location as long as it is on.
Many people use programs like LogMeIn or GoToMyPC to do work remotely.
If you have such a program, and someone else obtained your log in information, they could access your machine from an outside location., If you notice a lag in speed, it may be the result of someone using the internet to track your activity.
A tracking app will take up valuable memory, and cause other processes on your computer to slow down.
Look at the apps your device is running, and notice any unfamiliar ones.
Most major commercial antivirus programs, like Symantec, McAfee, and Norton, are good at tracking apps like this on your computer. , If someone has access to your devices, they probably have access to other information about you, and may be using that to steal your identity.
In addition, spying apps on your phone will use the GPS to send tracking data, and so will likely drive up your data charges., If you are downloading something from a website, use your computer's security system to check whether that site is trusted or secure.
If you have been downloading files from an insecure website, outsiders may be able to access it. -
Step 3: Be aware of your computer or device's operating speed.
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Step 4: Check your bills.
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Step 5: Watch out for downloads from insecure websites.
Detailed Guide
If there are unusual websites, or sites that you did not visit, someone may be using your computer.
Likewise, if your search history has been cleared out, and you did not do it, someone else may have done so.
In these cases, someone has spied on you by directly accessing your computer.
Remember to turn your machine off when you aren't using it, or have a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols to lock out unwanted users.
These programs, sometimes called virtual network computing (VNC) software, allow someone to access your computer from a remote location as long as it is on.
Many people use programs like LogMeIn or GoToMyPC to do work remotely.
If you have such a program, and someone else obtained your log in information, they could access your machine from an outside location., If you notice a lag in speed, it may be the result of someone using the internet to track your activity.
A tracking app will take up valuable memory, and cause other processes on your computer to slow down.
Look at the apps your device is running, and notice any unfamiliar ones.
Most major commercial antivirus programs, like Symantec, McAfee, and Norton, are good at tracking apps like this on your computer. , If someone has access to your devices, they probably have access to other information about you, and may be using that to steal your identity.
In addition, spying apps on your phone will use the GPS to send tracking data, and so will likely drive up your data charges., If you are downloading something from a website, use your computer's security system to check whether that site is trusted or secure.
If you have been downloading files from an insecure website, outsiders may be able to access it.
About the Author
Sandra Myers
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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