The best spy program for your computer.              Information Security Laboratory. Mobile spy FlexiSpy

Have you ever felt worried about the safety of confidential data on your computer? Do not rush to answer that you do not have confidential information. If you think that there is “nothing to steal” from you, you are most likely mistaken. If you have made a purchase at least once in an online store, paying with a credit card or electronic money, then your computer is already bait for a potential thief. There is a problem and perfect solution has not yet been invented for her. Of course have various ways protection of confidential data, for example, restricting access rights in the system, anti-virus software, firewalls, etc. We have repeatedly talked about many of them on the pages of 3dnews. However, relying entirely on an antivirus and a password protection system would be somewhat presumptuous. In addition to the danger of a virus attack, there is a threat of a completely different kind, caused by the human factor. What happens when you are away from work? Perhaps, while you are finishing your cup of coffee at the buffet, during your lunch break at work, someone is reading your correspondence on e-mail?

Having got someone else's computer at his disposal, even for a few minutes, an experienced user can easily find out all the information he is interested in - the history of negotiations via ICQ and e-mail, a list of passwords used in the system, links to resources that the user viewed, not to mention access to documents on disk. About utilities that help spy, and we'll talk in this review. Such programs can be used both at work to control the working time of employees, and at home as a means parental controls or as a tool for obtaining information about the personal life of your spouse. Note that due to the specifics of how spyware works, antiviruses and firewalls are often very suspicious of them, often mistaking them for malware. The developers of some utilities even place a corresponding notice on their websites. However, in most cases, it is enough to configure the firewall once, and it will no longer respond to spyware.

Power Spy 2009

Developer: eMatrixSoft
Distribution size: 5 MB
Spreading: shareware Power Spy can be called a universal spy. It is suitable for monitoring employee workplaces, monitoring your child’s activities on the computer, and finding out what your wife is doing on her home PC in your absence. The program can record all keystrokes, save screenshots of windows opened by the user, record the addresses of visited websites, intercept messages sent by e-mail, as well as through instant messaging systems (MSN Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, ICQ, AOL Messenger, AIM, Yahoo !Messenger, Windows Messenger and Skype text chat). In addition, it is possible to save all windows opened by the user, applications launched, passwords typed and information entered into the clipboard.

In stealth mode, Power Spy is completely invisible to the user and does not appear in the list running applications, does not show an icon in the system tray, it is not in the list of installed programs and in the Start menu, and in addition, the folder in which Power Spy was installed is also hidden. To interrupt the program or uninstall it, you need to enter a password, and you can delete the program using its window. The administrator can open the program window with the collected data by pressing a specific key combination. Information about computer activity is presented in a convenient form: screenshots can be viewed in slide show mode, information about keystrokes is organized chronologically by application and window, and the Email tab displays the text of all emails that the user has read and sent. In addition, the program saves the contents of all documents that users have worked with. Moreover, if the file was opened several times, then Power Spy will save it only once, which allows you to reduce the size of the report. In addition, you can configure Power Spy to send reports via email in HTML format or upload them to an FTP server.

Real Spy Monitor 2.89

Developer: ShareStar
Distribution size: 1.4 MB
Spreading: shareware Another utility that will help you keep track of who is doing what and when on the computer. The program supports working with multiple accounts Windows records and, when compiling a report, indicates which user performed certain actions. During the program setup process, you can select accounts that will automatically launch the program.

Reports compiled by Real Spy Monitor include information about all keys pressed and the titles of the windows in which typing was performed; about sites visited (addresses, headers, loading time); about opened windows (title, path to executable file programs) and files; about launched applications indicating start and close times. In addition, the program records messages exchanged between users of IM clients and can take screenshots at specified intervals. The collected information can be viewed in the program window (called by a keyboard shortcut), and also received in the form of an HTML report. To search for information among a large number of log files, a search is provided, and there is a function for automatically cleaning outdated data.

If you use a program to monitor the activities of children, then appreciate the ability to install filters on applications launched and sites opened. In the Real Spy Monitor settings, you can specify the path to executable files that cannot be launched by a particular user. As for sites, you can block certain resources by adding to the black list the full address of the resource or a keyword that the program will search for on the page. For young children, you can set more severe restrictions - allowing access only to those sites that are on the “white” list.

Maxapt QuickEye 2.8.8

Developer: STBP "Maksapt"
Distribution size: 5 MB
Spreading: shareware If some other programs in this review can be equally successfully used for monitoring the actions of company employees and for tracking users on a home PC, then Maxapt QuickEye is aimed primarily at corporate users. Its main focus is on tools for viewing and analyzing reports. Thanks to this, the boss can quickly find out how much time each employee was actively working on the computer and what programs he was running. Interestingly, Maxapt QuickEye not only records open applications, but also takes into account whether active work was carried out with them. Thus, if the application window was open all day, but the user only worked with it for half an hour, then Maxapt QuickEye will display this in the report.

In the Maxapt QuickEye window, the applications that users work with are grouped into categories. Thus, by going to the “Games” or “Internet Communication” category, you can see on which computer such programs were active and for how long. All data can be presented in the form of a table grouped by computer or by time. In addition, you can see the report in the form of a chart or graph.

Reports provided by Maxapt QuickEye also contain information about the presence of employees at the workplace. The program records the moments of logging into the operating system, turning off the computer, going into sleep mode, and then automatically calculates how many hours and minutes the employee spent at the computer. In this case, the time when the computer was in sleep mode is subtracted from the total time when the computer was turned on. With Maxapt QuickEye, you can not only receive reports on what employees spend on work time, but also limit the use of certain applications. Using the utility, you can create a list of allowed and prohibited programs for each employee, and set a working time schedule.

Mipko Employee Monitor 5.0.4

Developer: LLC "Mipko"
Distribution size: 4.8 MB
Spreading: shareware Previously, the Mipko Employee Monitor program was called KGB Keylogger. The main advantage of this utility over various keyloggers is that activity monitoring can be done remotely. Even during the installation process, the installation program warns about the presence of an antivirus in the system and the need to configure it accordingly by adding Mipko Employee Monitor to the list of trusted applications or exceptions.

The program is very flexible in working with multiple users; in this sense, Mipko Employee Monitor is an indispensable tool for a system administrator. For each user whose computers need to be monitored, you can set different monitoring options. So, for example, for one user you can set up tracking only the text typed, for another - to track only visited websites, for a third - to keep statistics running programs etc. The program can work using alarm mode. This means that when the user types certain words, Mipko Employee Monitor marks the user's activity with an alarm icon, and, with appropriate program settings, sends a warning message to the administrator by email or uploads it to an FTP server. The program is perfectly camouflaged; its monitor cannot be detected either in the list of running processes or in the list of services. To display or hide Mipko Employee Monitor, you must command line Windows, type runmipko or use the keyboard shortcut. Mipko Employee Monitor allows you to use tracking filters. Thus, you can create a list of programs whose activity needs to be monitored, but other running applications will not be monitored. The log size for each user being monitored can be strictly limited. By default, the program stores records about user activities for up to 90 days; if necessary, this period can be increased or decreased.

The information about user activity that this program collects would be incomplete without the ability to take screenshots. A snapshot can be taken only of the active window or the entire working area of ​​the screen. By the way, on configurations with multiple monitors you can also take screenshots. When capturing the entire work area, the image is obtained in the form of two combined screenshots - the first and second monitors. The screen is captured either at certain intervals or when a new window is opened. In the absence of any activity, the creation of screenshots automatically stops so as not to generate identical and useless screenshots. Mipko Employee Monitor intercepts messages in all popular instant messaging programs - ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Miranda IM, Skype, Google Talk, Mail.Ru Agent, Qip.

Actual Spy 3.0

Developer: Keylogger Actual Spy Software
Distribution size: 1.6 MB
Spreading: shareware Using this program you can get information about different types of active use of your computer. Thus, it monitors the contents of the clipboard, stores information about the time when applications are launched and closed, takes screenshots of the desktop at certain intervals, and keeps track of the time the computer is turned on/off and rebooted. Actual Spy monitors keystrokes and sites visited, and also monitors documents sent for printing. The program saves changes to files and directories and records any links used by the browser.

The program is hidden using a keyboard shortcut and is then not visible either in the tray or in the list of running applications. Despite this "disguise", Actual Spy reveals itself by adding a corresponding entry to the list of programs in the Start menu, so if you decide to use this keylogger, do not forget to delete the folder of the same name in the menu. The user activity report can be saved in text or HTML format, on one or more pages. When viewing the report generated by Actual Spy, a flaw in the program immediately catches your eye - it only accepts keystrokes in the English keyboard. Therefore, if it becomes necessary to read, say, the text of an email in Russian, reading will turn into solving a rebus. However, Russian text copied to the clipboard is displayed correctly. Please note that the demo version of the program can perform its functions for forty minutes. Sometimes this is enough to protect your work computer during your lunch break.

NeoSpy 3.0

Developer: MC-Soft Software
Distribution size: 2.7 MB
Spreading: shareware

The most important thing for a spy program is not to give yourself away. The NeoSpy developers made sure that after installation the program is invisible on the computer. When installing the utility, you can choose administrator or hidden installation. In the latter case, shortcuts will not be created in the Start menu and on the desktop, the folder with the program will be hidden, it will not be visible in the list installed applications. To run NeoSpy, the administrator will need to use the Start>Run command. NeoSpy can intercept messages sent using various IM clients. It is gratifying that not only clients popular among English-speaking users are supported, but also those that are installed by the majority of Russians. We are talking about Qip, Miranda and Mail.ru Agent. In addition, NeoSpy copes with intercepting messages sent using &RQ, ICQ, SIM and other programs.

Using NeoSpy you can collect information about all applications that run on your computer. The program saves the start and launch time, the path to the executable file, and the window title. In addition, the report will indicate whether a screenshot was taken for each program. Screenshots can be viewed in a built-in utility with easy navigation tools. The module for viewing screenshots has a special scale indicating time, so if you want to find out what the user was doing at the computer at a certain time, just move the slider on this scale to the desired position. Using NeoSpy, you can monitor Internet activity on your computer. The program not only saves the addresses of visited sites, but also records when you connected to and disconnected from the Internet (of course, if the connection is not permanent), and tracks the amount of incoming and outgoing Internet traffic. By and large, NeoSpy makes it possible to track all the actions that were performed on the computer. Thus, the program saves everything that was typed on the keyboard, stores data that was entered into the clipboard, tracks changes in files, the creation of new files and their deletion. In addition, if necessary, you can save full list applications installed on the computer.

Modem Spy 4.0

Developer: SoftCab
Distribution size: 380 kb
Spreading: shareware This program offers a completely different method of "spying" - telephone. If a modem is connected to your computer, then using a small utility called Modem Spy you can record all telephone conversations. A very convenient feature, especially if your desk phone does not have this capability. Record telephone conversations can be performed in automatic mode, while the program will keep statistics of telephone conversations in a special call log. During the recording process, the interlocutor's sound will not sound too low, since the program uses automatic signal gain control.

Audio recordings can be saved in any audio format - MP3, WAV, etc. Recorded telephone conversations can be played back through a sound card or played directly into the telephone line. Modem Spy can record conversations, even using modem models that only support data transfer (data modem). To do this, you need to connect the modem and line input sound card using a special adapter. You can also use Super Spy mode, in which calls will be recorded without the user noticing. Another feature of the program is recording from a microphone in voice recorder mode. Directly from the Modem Spy program, you can send your recordings by email. If specifications modem allow, the program can determine the number caller. You can record conversations without the knowledge of the remote subscriber, or with his prior notification by enabling the appropriate program setting. Modem Spy has many options that allow you to fine-tune your modem to work with telephone line- correctly detect a busy signal, detect silence in a conversation and cut it to obtain a file with a smaller size, enable recording after a certain call, etc.

WillingWebcam 4.7

Developer: Willing Software
Distribution size: 4.6 MB
Spreading: shareware If we're talking about telephone spying, we can't help but mention video surveillance. It can be carried out using a webcam connected to a computer. This simple device, which many are accustomed to using to communicate with friends, may well be a real spy. You can turn a webcam into a spying device, for example, using the WillingWebcam program. Using it, you can remotely monitor what is happening near the computer next to which the webcam is installed. WillingWebcam can take pictures continuously at regular intervals or only when movement is detected in the frame. The resulting photos can be sent by email or uploaded to an FTP server. In addition, WillingWebcam can notify the user about the appearance of new pictures in other ways: by sending an SMS, launching another application, or playing an audio file.

Videos recorded using the program and photographs taken can be accompanied by text messages, as well as an indication of the recording time. In addition, there are many effects available that can be used to improve image quality, for example, increase clarity. WillingWebcam has a built-in module for viewing images and video files, organized like an Explorer. In it you can view thumbnails of images, play saved videos, and select different modes for viewing the list of files. If desired, images can be viewed in full screen mode. WillingWebcam can work in hidden mode. In this case, it will not be visible either on the taskbar or in the system tray. To exit the program from this mode, the default key combination is used, but it can be changed to another.

Elite Keylogger 4.1

Developer: WideStep Security Software
Distribution size: 5.3 MB
Spreading: shareware WideStep Security Software company releases three versions of its keyloggers - Family Quick Keylogger, Perfect Handy Keylogger and Elite Keylogger. The last option is the most functional and has the most features. For example, the Elite version is absolutely not detected by antiviruses, while Perfect Handy Keylogger is detected, but not by all antivirus packages, and Family Quick Keylogger is detected by any antivirus program. Due to the fact that the keylogger works at a low level of the system kernel, it does not slow down Windows work and provides good compatibility with antivirus programs. And yet, when you first launch Elite Keylogger, the Kaspersky package Internet Security 2009 was suspicious of the new object and recommended that it be quarantined.

The appearance of Elite Keylogger suggests that it is intended not just for tracking the user, but for continuous monitoring of activity over a long period of time. You can view activity statistics in the program by day using the calendar built into the program. Elite Keylogger allows you to define lists of Windows users who should or, conversely, should not be monitored.

Elite Keylogger monitors the operation of Internet messengers ICQ, MSN, AIM, AOL and Yahoo, monitors email, application activity and printed documents. The program can send the monitoring result by email, upload it to an FTP server, or copy it to a specified folder on a network drive. In the program, you can set a period of time, after which all user activity logs will be automatically deleted. You can also install maximum size activity report, and also set the size of the log file, upon reaching which it will be sent by email. We draw your attention to one detail - if you want to remove this keylogger, then neither using the standard Add or remove programs tool, nor even using special utilities controllers that control Windows startup will not be able to do this. In order to uninstall Elite Keylogger, you need to go to the Options section and use the Uninstall keylogger button in the interface of the utility itself.

Conclusion

Those wishing to try a utility for monitoring user activity may notice that there is quite a large selection. The demand for such software is consistently high. First of all, such applications are in demand by organizations and firms where strict discipline reigns and strict requirements are imposed on employees regarding what they do at their workplaces. If recently the term “keylogger” meant a utility that recorded keystrokes, today such applications make it possible to monitor almost any type of activity - mouse clicks, launching programs, changing system settings, etc. Moreover, using the programs described in this article , control can be carried out remotely, tracking in real time what the user is doing, which window is active, what text he is typing and even with whom he is talking on the phone. Those who are concerned about privacy may be advised to use comprehensive protection (for example, an antivirus package and a activity monitoring utility) and rely mainly on themselves. Because for every lock, a thief, unfortunately, has a master key.

When using the Internet, you should not assume that your privacy is protected. Ill-wishers often monitor your actions and seek to obtain your personal information using special malware - spyware. This is one of the oldest and most common types of threats on the Internet: these programs enter your computer without permission to initiate various illegal activities. It is very easy to fall victim to such programs, but it can be difficult to get rid of them - especially when you do not even know that your computer is infected. But don't despair! We will not leave you alone with threats! You just need to know what spyware is, how it gets onto your computer, how it tries to harm you, how to eliminate these programs, and how you can prevent spyware attacks in the future.

What is spyware?

History of spyware

The term “spyware” was first mentioned in 1996 in one of the specialized articles. In 1999, this term was used in press releases and already had the meaning that is assigned to it today. He quickly gained popularity in the media. A little time passed, and in June 2000 the first application designed to combat spyware was released.

“The first mention of spyware dates back to 1996.”

In October 2004, the media company America Online and the National Cyber ​​Security Alliance (NCSA) conducted a study on this phenomenon. The result was incredible and frightening. About 80% of all Internet users have at one time or another encountered spyware infiltrating their computers; approximately 93% of computers had spyware components, while 89% of users were unaware of it. And almost all users who were victims of spyware (about 95%) admitted that they did not give permission to install it.

Today the operating room Windows system is a preferred target for spyware attacks due to its widespread use. However, in recent years, spyware developers have also been paying attention to the Apple platform and mobile devices.

Spyware for Mac

Historically, spyware authors have targeted the Windows platform as their main target because it has a larger user base than the Mac platform. Despite this, the industry experienced a significant surge in malware activity in 2017. Mac computers, and most of the attacks were carried out through spyware. Spyware for Mac have a behavior pattern similar to spyware for Windows, but they are dominated by password stealers and general-purpose backdoors. Malicious activities of software belonging to the second category include remote execution of malicious code, keylogging, screen capture, arbitrary file upload and download, password phishing, etc.

“The industry experienced a significant surge in Mac malware activity in 2017, with the majority of attacks carried out through spyware.”

In addition to malicious spyware, so-called “legitimate” spyware is also common on the Mac. These programs are sold by real companies on official websites, and their main purpose is to control children or employees. Of course, such programs are a classic “double-edged sword”: they allow the possibility of abuse of their functions, since they provide the average user with access to spyware tools without requiring any special knowledge.

Spyware for mobile devices

Spyware does not create a shortcut and can reside in the mobile device's memory for a long time, stealing important information such as incoming/outgoing SMS messages, incoming/outgoing call logs, contact lists, email messages, browser history and photos. In addition, spyware for mobile devices can potentially track keystrokes, record sounds within the range of your device's microphone, take photos in background, and also track the position of your device using GPS. In some cases, spyware even manages to control the device using commands sent via SMS and/or received from remote servers. Spyware sends stolen information via email or via data exchange with a remote server.

Don't forget that consumers are not the only target of cybercriminals who create spyware. If you are using your smartphone or Tablet PC In the workplace, hackers can attack your employer's organization through vulnerabilities built into the mobile device system. Moreover, incident response teams in the region computer security may not be able to detect attacks carried out via mobile devices.

Spyware typically infiltrates smartphones in three ways:

• An unsecured free Wi-Fi network that is often installed in public places, such as airports and cafes. If you are registered on such a network and transmit data through an unsecured connection, attackers can monitor all the actions you perform while you remain on the network. Pay attention to warning messages that appear on your device's screen, especially if they indicate a failure to verify the server's identity. Take care of your safety: avoid such unsecured connections.
• Operating system vulnerabilities can create the preconditions for malicious objects to penetrate a mobile device. Smartphone manufacturers often release operating system updates to protect users. Therefore, we recommend that you install updates as soon as they become available (before hackers try to attack devices that have outdated software installed).
• Malicious objects are often hidden in seemingly ordinary programs - and the likelihood of this increases if you download them from websites or messages rather than through the app store. It's important to pay attention to warning messages when installing apps, especially if they ask for permission to access your email or other personal information. Thus, we can formulate the main security rule: use only trusted resources for mobile devices and avoid third-party applications.

Who is targeted by spyware?

Unlike other types of malware, spyware developers do not aim to target any specific group of people with their products. On the contrary, in most attacks, spyware spreads its networks very widely to target as many devices as possible. Consequently, every user is potentially a target for spyware, because, as attackers rightly believe, even the smallest amount of data will sooner or later find its buyer.

“In most attacks, spyware casts its networks very widely to target as many devices as possible.”

For example, spammers buy email addresses and passwords to send malicious spam or perform any actions under the guise of others. As a result of spyware attacks on financial information, someone can lose funds in a bank account or become a victim of scammers who use real bank accounts in their scams.

Information obtained from stolen documents, images, videos and other digital forms data storage, can be used for extortion.

Ultimately, no one is immune from spyware attacks, and hackers don't think much about whose computers they infect in pursuit of achieving their goals.

What should I do if my computer is infected?

Once inside a system, spyware tends to remain undetected and can only be detected if the user is experienced enough and actually knows where to look. So many users continue to work, unaware of the threat. But if you think that spyware has penetrated your computer, you must first clean the system of malicious objects so as not to compromise new passwords. Install a reliable antivirus that is capable of providing adequate cybersecurity and uses aggressive algorithms to detect and remove spyware. This is important because only aggressive antivirus actions can completely remove spyware artifacts from the system, as well as restore damaged files and broken settings.

Once your system has been cleared of threats, contact your bank to alert them to potential malicious activity. Depending on what information was compromised on the infected computer (especially if it is connected to a business or organizational network), you may be required by law to report the virus to law enforcement or make a public statement. If the information is of a sensitive nature or involves the collection and transmission of images, audio and/or video, you should contact a law enforcement official to report potential violations of federal or local laws.

One last thing: Many identity theft protection vendors claim that their services can detect fraudulent transactions or temporarily freeze your credit account to prevent damage from malicious malware. At first glance, blocking a credit card is a really sound idea. However, Malwarebytes strongly recommends against purchasing identity theft protection products.

“Many identity theft protection vendors claim that their services can detect fraudulent transactions.”

How to protect yourself from spyware?

The best protection against spyware, as with most types of malware, depends primarily on what you do. Please follow these basic guidelines to ensure your cybersecurity:

• Do not open emails from unknown senders.
• Do not download files from unverified sources.
• Before clicking on a link, hover your mouse over it to see which web page it will take you to.

But as users have become more sophisticated in cybersecurity, hackers have become more sophisticated, too, creating increasingly sophisticated ways to deliver spyware. This is why installing a proven antivirus is extremely important to combat the latest spyware.

Look for antiviruses that provide real-time protection. This function allows you to automatically block spyware and other threats before they can harm your computer. Some traditional antivirus and other cybersecurity tools rely heavily on signature-based detection algorithms - and such protection is easy to bypass, especially if we're talking about about modern threats.
You should also pay attention to the presence of functions that block the penetration of spyware into your computer. For example, this could include anti-exploit technology and protection against malicious websites that host spyware. The premium version of Malwarebytes has a proven track record of providing reliable anti-spyware protection.

IN digital world dangers are an integral part of Internet reality and can await you at every step. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways protect yourself from them. If you maintain a healthy balance between using an antivirus and taking basic precautions, you will be able to protect every computer you use from spyware attacks and the actions of the criminals behind them.
You can read all our spyware reports

How can you find out what your child or employee is doing on the computer? What sites does he visit, with whom does he communicate, what and to whom does he write?

For this purpose, there are spy programs - a special type of software that, unnoticed by the user, collects information about all his actions. Computer spy software will solve this problem.

Spyware for a computer should not be confused with a Trojan: the first is absolutely legitimate and is installed with the knowledge of the administrator, the second gets onto the PC illegally and carries out hidden malicious activities.

However, hackers can also use legitimate tracking programs.

Spyware applications are most often installed by business executives and system administrators to control employees, parents to spy on children, jealous spouses, etc. In this case, the “victim” may know that she is being monitored, but more often than not, she does not know.

Review and comparison of five popular spyware programs

NeoSpy

NeoSpy is a universal keyboard, screen and user activity spy program. NeoSpy works invisibly and can hide its presence even during installation.

The user who installs the program has the opportunity to choose one of two installation modes - administrator and hidden. In the first mode, the program is installed openly - it creates a shortcut on the desktop and a folder in the Program Files directory, in the second - hidden.

Program processes do not appear in Windows Task Manager or third-party task managers.

The functionality of NeoSpy is quite wide and the program can be used both as home monitoring and in offices to monitor employees.

The spy program is distributed in three versions under a shareware license. The price is 820-1990 rubles, but it can also work for free (even in hidden mode) with restrictions when viewing reports.

What NeoSpy can do:

• monitor the keyboard;
• monitor website visits;
• show the user’s screen in real time via the Internet from another computer or tablet;
• take screenshots and save images from your webcam;
• monitor system events (turning on, shutting down, computer downtime, connecting removable media);
• intercept the contents of the clipboard;
• Monitor the use of Internet instant messengers, record Skype calls;
• intercept data sent for printing and copied to external media;
• keep statistics of computer work;
• send laptop coordinates (calculated over Wi-Fi).

Thanks to the Russian-language interface, a wide range of functions, correct keyboard interception and a completely hidden operating mode in the system, NeoSpy receives the maximum rating when choosing programs for user control.

Real Spy Monitor

The next spy is Real Spy Monitor. This English-language program not only has tracking functions, but can also block certain actions on the computer. Therefore, it is often used as a parental control tool.

For each account in the Real Spy Monitor settings, you can create your own ban policy, for example, for visiting certain sites.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of an English-language interface, it is more difficult to understand the operation of Real Spy Monitor, despite the graphical thumbnails for the buttons.

The program is also paid. The license costs from $39.95.

Real Spy Monitor features:

• interception of keystrokes, clipboard contents, system events, websites, instant messengers, mail;
• work in semi-hidden mode (without an active window, but with the process displayed in the task manager);
• working with multiple accounts;
• selective autostart for different accounts.

In general, many users like Real Spy Monitor; the disadvantages include the high cost, lack of a Russian-language interface, and display of the process in the task manager.

Actual Spy

The developers position Actual Spy as a keylogger (keylogger), although the program can do more than just record keystrokes.

It monitors the contents of the clipboard, takes screenshots, monitors site visits, and other things that are included in the main set of spies we examined.

When installed, Actual Spy creates a shortcut in the Start menu so it can be noticed by the user. The launch also occurs openly - to hide the program window you need to press certain keys.

Actual Spy's capabilities are not much different from those of its competitors. Among the shortcomings, users noted that it correctly records keystrokes only in the English layout.

SpyGo

SpyGo - spy kit for home use. Can also be used in offices to monitor employees.

To start monitoring, just click the “Start” button in SpyGo.

SpyGo is distributed under a shareware license and costs 990-2990 rubles depending on the set of functions.

IN trial versions The duration of monitoring is limited to 20 minutes per day, and sending reports by email and FTP is also not available.

Main features of SpyGo:

• keystroke monitoring;
• recording all actions on the computer (launching programs, operations with files, etc.);
• control of visits to web resources (history, search queries, frequently visited sites, duration of stay on the site);
• recording what is happening on the screen;
• saving the contents of the clipboard;
• listening to the environment (if there is a microphone);
• monitoring of system events (times of turning on and off the computer, downtime, connecting flash drives, disks, etc.).

Important! The disadvantages of SpyGo, according to users, include the fact that it does not support everything Windows versions, when sending reports, it often throws errors and is quite easily unmasked.

Snitch

Snitch - the name of this program translates as “snitch”, and is very unfriendly towards the user. Snitch spies on computer activities. It works hidden, does not require complex settings and has little effect on system performance.

The program is released in a single version.

Features and Features of Snitch:

• monitoring of the keyboard, clipboard, system events, web surfing and communication in instant messengers;
• compilation of summary reports and graphs of monitored events;
• undemanding network configuration;
• protection against unauthorized termination of the program process;
• surveillance is carried out even in the absence of access to the network.

Among the shortcomings, you can notice conflicts with antiviruses

How to detect a spy on your computer?

Finding spyware on a computer that doesn’t show itself outwardly is difficult, but not impossible.

So, despite their legitimacy, the applications we reviewed can be recognized by special antiviruses,“tailored” for searching for spyware (Trojans with spying functions), so we recommend adding installed program to the exclusion list of such antiviruses.

And if you do not need to remove the spy, but only need to disguise your actions from it, you can use anti-spying tools that, despite actively spying on you, will prevent the interception of keyboard events and screenshots.

Then your correspondence and passwords will not fall into the wrong hands.

For many people, using a smartphone has become an integral part of Everyday life. If you wish, you can take advantage of the opportunities modern technologies not only to communicate with other people, but also to secretly obtain information about their social circle.

This opportunity will be provided to you by a mobile spy for Android, which allows you not only to monitor SMS and calls, but also to gain access to almost all actions performed on the smartphone, and in some cases, record the owner’s movements.

The need to use spyware for Android may arise in a variety of situations.

Here are just a few possible examples:

• you are afraid that your child will fall into bad company and want to know who he associates with;
• you don't trust any of your friends or acquaintances;
• Are you facing problems in family relationships and are wondering how to find out if your husband is cheating?.

How to use mobile spy for Android?

It is very easy to use as it does not require any special technical knowledge. It is enough to register on the official website of the program and install the application downloaded from the site on the smartphone of the person you want to monitor.

After rebooting the phone, it will turn on and will remain guaranteed invisible to regular user and you will be able to remotely manage it through the website from your Internet account using the functions you need. For example, by turning on your smartphone’s microphone, you can listen to what’s going on around you, figure out where its owner is and who he’s talking to.

It should be noted that it will provide access to various information stored on the smartphone. You can also not only listen to other people's conversations and read SMS, but also find out which sites were opened in the browser. Media files, that is, photos and videos taken on a smartphone, also become available. You can also find a person through the phone by determining the location of the owner; the spy on Android exploits the signals cell towers and - if necessary - GPS data, which allows for highly accurate designation (up to several meters).

You've probably heard about spyware. Yes, they exist. Many people confuse such programs with viruses, but this is not so. Spyware does not have harmful code; its function is different - to find out what you are doing on the computer and transfer it “where it is needed.” Basically, such programs can be used in business. For example, a company's security service may well install such programs on employees' computers in order to know what they are doing during working hours. Spyware has great functionality. They not only tell the “owner” what applications the employee opened, but also record all keystrokes, keep a list of files used, a list of Internet addresses visited, and even take screenshots of the desktop at a given time interval. Those. All entered logins and passwords, correspondence in QIP, Skype and other instant messengers, as well as time spent on Internet sites become available.

If an employer installs similar programs on his company’s computers to protect commercial information and protect against fraud (with informing employees, of course), then this is quite understandable, but what about the protection of personal information? After all, such a program can be installed on your home computer, and you won’t even know about it (as long as your accounts are in in social networks will not be blocked, for example). Unfortunately, spyware is made in such a way that the user does not know anything about it. The tray icon does not hang, warnings do not appear, and, besides, processes do not hang. These programs are usually called only by pressing special hot keys.

Let's look at several spyware programs.

Real Spy Monitor

This program is perfect for several people to work on one computer with operating system WindowsXP. The person who installed RealSpyMonitor under his account, will always be aware of what other users were doing on this computer. Time and list of files to be launched, open windows, actions and pages visited on the Internet. You can also set up taking screenshots at a certain time interval.

This program is ideal for home use in order to protect children from visiting sites specified by the “owner” or launching files. The program is in English.

Snitch

Snitch– it's easy to use software package, which collects information about the user’s actions at the computer for the purpose of its subsequent analysis.

Almost any spy program provides the collected information in a form that is inconvenient for analysis, as a result of which most users use it only as a keylogger (Russian keylogger). Snitch offers convenient access to the collected data, providing limitless opportunities for studying the nature and efficiency of spending time of the user of the computer on which the Snitch tracking module is installed.

Installing the Snitch client module is extremely simple and does not cause difficulties, and its operation on the computer does not have a significant impact on its performance, unlike other programs that monitor the computer. As a result hidden tracking passes on the computer, without any negative consequences that reduce the level of comfort of working in the applications used.

Mipko

This company has several products for different tasks: PersonalMonitor, EmployeeMonitor and TerminalMonitor. Accordingly, for home computer, to control the computers of company employees and to control the actions of employees on the terminal server.

List functionality in general, standard, but there is one useful function - alarm mode. Its action is as follows: the administrator enters words into the program database that will be tracked by the keylogger. If a user whose computer is being monitored types one of the prohibited words, MipkoEmployeeMonitor immediately records this and notifies the administrator by email or other means. This function is useful, for example, to prevent leakage of confidential data.

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