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Questions tagged [spyware]

Spyware is a computer program which collects information about the user such as habits on the Internet and transmits that information to an external entity on the Internet without user knowledge or consent.

158 questions
88
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9 answers

Downloading software without bloatware

From time to time, I find myself needing a piece of software to perform a specific task. Download.com (CNET) used to be a good site. But now, I find that they bundle a lot of "evilware", i.e. bloatware/adware (spyware?). Despite my best efforts to…
Ola Eldøy
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60
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7 answers

My webcam just came on "out of the blue"

I have a Microsoft LifeCam HD sitting atop my monitor. Today, completely out of the blue, its light came on -- I was simply browsing the web (in Chrome) when it happened. After about 5 minutes the webcam turned off. Naturally, I immediately…
AngryHacker
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25
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1 answer

Unable to disable Compatibility Telemetry in Windows 10

Methods Failed to disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry: Method 1: Use O&O ShutUp10 Used latest version released on 7-Mar-'17 Method 2 (CMD commands) mentioned here : sc delete DiagTrack sc delete dmwappushservice echo "" >…
Omar
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19
votes
11 answers

What are some things to avoid if you want to keep your computer adware/spyware free?

I recently reinstalled the OS (Windows XP Home) on a friend's heavily spyware/adware infected machine. It appears as though his kids (7 and 11 years I believe) were visiting sites that offered downloads for search bars, screensavers, and "cute"…
John Rasch
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11
votes
1 answer

An unrelated program (Clash for Windows) links to FFmpeg libraries. Can it be spyware?

Update: today I found some decisive evidence on its misbehaviour. Sandbox analysis from VirusTotal on its installer reports video capturing capability using webcam. See the link to its analysis here. I recently found that a proxy program (Clash for…
Guanyuming He
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10
votes
4 answers

Is it possible to safely contain a virus - not letting it spread?

I need to run a program, but I don't trust the author. I think it is infected with spyware, viruses, or malicious files. I scanned it and didn't find anything, but I'm still not feeling good about it. So I was thinking to create another Windows…
Lynob
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8
votes
2 answers

How can I find out which processes on my computer are accessing the microphone?

After reading this interesting Lifehacker post and reading the comments on the page, one person was wondering if it would be possible to use the Physical Device Object Names of other hardware such as the microphone to find out the names of processes…
Vinayak
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8
votes
2 answers

How to scan and detect spying software

I have a friend who caught his landlord in his apartment using his laptop (he moved out afterward). The next time he tried to log in, his password was changed. I fixed the password problem but I got to thinking, what if his landlord installed some…
Mister Tea
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8
votes
2 answers

How does the "Steam" platform work? Is it DRM? Can I trust "Steam"-powered software?

UPDATE: This question lives on at gaming.stackexchange.com. So – I just bought the new game Supreme Commander 2. This question is not about the game, but about the online software installation platform that it seems to require. I haven't bought a…
Chris W. Rea
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7
votes
5 answers

What is the difference between a Virus and Spyware?

Is the distinction largely semantic? (I.e., Spyware collects information and incidentally slow your computer down, Viruses are designed to malicious?
Clay Nichols
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6
votes
2 answers

Removing FLEXnet Connect Update Manager

Do you know how can I remove this unwanted software? Status line says copyright Acresso Software and or InstallShield. From the folder in ProgramData I understand it is version 11.
antonio
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6
votes
6 answers

MacKeeper has hijacked my Safari Browser

MacKeeper (http:// mackeeperapp.zeobit.com) has hijacked my Safari browser. I have had to open Firefox, in order to get to the internet. I would rather use Safari, since that is where my bookmarks and favorite links are on the toolbar. A MacKeeper…
Devonviolet
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6
votes
4 answers

How do I configure helpd on OSX so that it doesn't periodically call home to application sites?

Little Snitch, an outgoing network traffic blocker, notifies me when an application is attempting to establish a connection. Many applications that I've installed have apparently registered themselves into the help system, and periodically cause…
Michael Prescott
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6
votes
3 answers

How do I tell if there are unwanted remote guests on my computer?

Possible Duplicate: What to do if my computer is infected by a virus or a malware? Why do I always find the strangest programs and the strangest text files all the time? All kinds of weird things happen, like my screen changes and the address…
WckdMsftsGrl
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5
votes
5 answers

Is it possible for virus in windows to infect ubuntu?

I have a triple boot, windows 7 , 8 and ubuntu. Is it possible that any spyware or virus in windows will also harm ubuntu or spy during ubuntu session ?
John Watson
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