Re: Spyware which tracks keystrokes?

From: curious (heyimjustcurious_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 03/31/04 

Date: 30 Mar 2004 16:34:27 -0800

yosponge@yahoo.com (sponge) wrote in message news:<8d76ec03.0403252227.23888626@posting.google.com>...
> On 23 Mar 2004 08:26:18 -0800, pasirochma@hotmail.com (dulcie) wrote:
>
> >Have just read an unnerving article about something called 'EBlaster'
> >which is sold at http://www.spectorsoft.com/ this program can be
> >loaded onto your computer and can track all your keystrokes: all
> your
> >emails from any email address, incoming and outgoing + send a copy of
> >it all to another person. Presumeably that would include passwords
> >too! Someone would have to get this software onto your machine in
> the
> >first place, but that's not difficult if they have physical access to
> >it - and (apparently) it's undetectable - if you look in your
> >files/programs list you won't find it. does anyone know how you
> might
> >(a) prevent this being put on the first place, and (b)detect it if
> >it's already there? I've now been totally put off setting up an
> >internet bank account!
> >
> >Thanks.
> >Dulcie
>
> Keyloggers are a dime a dozen. They are extremely easy to write.
> SpectorSoft's is one of two dozen I can name right off the top of my
> head, and there are many more that I cannot or don't even know about.
> They are even found in many trojans and worms.
>
> Preventive: Do not use Internet Explorer or Outlook, and block them
> from connecting to the Internet with a firewall. IE Both are extremely
> bug-ridden, and, more importantly, are common vehicles to allow
> applications to connect to the net. Since all Windows machines ship
> with them installed, and the vast majority of Windows users use them
> and give them blanket permission through their firewall, they are an
> ideal choice for any kind of malware to gain access through the
> firewall. Use IE solely for Windows Updates, and add
> *.windowsupdate.microsoft.com and *.windowsupdate.com to your Trusted
> Sites zone, and set your Internet Zone to the Highest security.

 I guess, I should start using another browser for surfing except for
windows updates. Should I use Mozilla or Netscapr?

Thanks.

 
> Also, be careful about what email you open even if you do use another
> email program. Never open an email from somebody you don't know,
> period, finish. Even email that IS from somebody you know, do not open
> if it has an attachment unless you've made prior arrangements with the
> sender and you are expecting it. Even then, a virus scan of the
> attachment is necessary.
>
> Be careful about what you download. If you download from the web,
> consider anything coming from MP3 and file-sharing sites suspect. Use
> Yahoo to search around for (program name) and "spyware". Download.com
> also has user feedback on applications, and the "user reviews" often
> can tell you about this. Keyloggers don't come in the form of
> shareware or freeware so much, but other kinds of spyware commonly do.
> About half the stuff downloaded from IRC and nearly all software
> downloaded using P2P or file-sharing is trojaned in some way.
>
> Corrective: Use SpyBot, Ad-Aware, CWShredder, and SpywareBlaster. The
> first two do identify SpecterSoft and some other keyloggers as well as
> advertising spyware (on and off -- SpecterSoft occasionally changes
> its product just enough to evade detection programs). But thee four
> should be in every computer user's toolbox and use their built-in
> updaters regularly.
>
> There are a few specific anti-keylogger programs. Jammer and
> Who'sWatchingMe are two. Feel free to invest in them if you like,
> although a good anti-virus scanner is pretty effective too and those
> are pretty much a must these days. I recommend McAfee, NOD32, or even
> Avast! if you want something free.
>
> Sponge
> Sponge's Secure Solutions
> www.geocities.com/yosponge
> My new email: yosponge2 att yahoo dott com

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