The Extent of Spyware

Discussion in 'Chit Chat' started by Hornetzero, Apr 20, 2020.

  1. Hornetzero

    Hornetzero MDL Novice

    Apr 4, 2018
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    Hey Everyone,
    So I'm still using a Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1 (2009) Dell XPS L502X from 2011, and its likely that its age is starting to cause the slow down I notice.

    However, there is something more that concerns me. I recently watched a video on Snowden describing how easy it is for large organisations to spy on everyone especially with old Windows systems such as the one I'm using currently.

    Is it possible that a shadow group is monitoring every single thing I do and collect that somewhere? What are the odds that there is spyware on my laptop and cellphone that are so well hidden, that they can't be detected by the anti-spyware software and require something more?

    What can I do to rid my system of such intrusive malware?

    Thank you
     
  2. Simple solution: Malwarebytes.

    Also, I too have a Windows 7 system from 2011 but it's still running like a Swiss watch.
     
  3. Joe C

    Joe C MDL Guru

    Jan 12, 2012
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  4. kaljukass

    kaljukass MDL Guru

    Nov 26, 2012
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    #4 kaljukass, Apr 20, 2020
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2020
    1. it is possible and in some cases it is done, but no one is watching you personally and any ordinary person. Nobody just cannot follow everyone. And why should you be monitored personally? Is there a reason for this? If so, your every move will definitely be monitored.
    2. the only thing you can do personally - don't use the internet and throw your mobile phone at sea and no one will ever follow you with them again. And that's all you can do personally.
    Doctors can sometimes help get rid of phobias, but also - only sometimes.
     
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  5. case-sensitive

    case-sensitive MDL Expert

    Nov 7, 2013
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    My opinion ( today :) ) ...... comments please

    >Is it possible that a shadow group is monitoring every single thing I do and collect that somewhere?

    Yes . Thats what the NSA and other secret services do all day every day = collect information about every living person , group ,organisation ...... through google , facebook , gmail and co , your bank details , everything youve ever told the government , your tax records , insurance details , amazon ........ In end effect the internet is only allowed in the form it is now ....... to collect information . Who knows who . Who thinks what . Who could be a danger . Who knows people we dont like .

    Can anyone proove that your computer isnt infected and / or doesnt have a backdoor ? = NO ....... so we have to assume that it is :) = We know that windows can and does try to phone home and we know that the operating system can ignore the hosts file and get around it ....... we also know that microsoft keeps changing things and linking things with updates so we have to run behind trying our best to keep up with those changes ...... so we have to block and control before the computer gets into the net ......

    That can be done with router firmware like tomato ...... on your own router ....... and a rasberry pi with a Pi-hole on it that blocks conections and records every connection attempt = you can see if its trying to phone home if its malware or microsoft .

    Other than that a sensible firewall , regular malware checks with a genuine boot cd , an up to date system and dont go to porn / dubious websites .
     
  6. Joe C

    Joe C MDL Guru

    Jan 12, 2012
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    I would tend to think that Google, Microsoft and Apple have more interest in your internet habits than the NSA, unless your doing illegal sh!t on the dark web. Major IT corporations are looking to make $$profits$$ on your purchasing and surfing habits. Google makes billions of dollars just by selling your data to third parties. Microsoft sees this profit and they have changed their business structure to gain these profits also
     
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  7. Hornetzero

    Hornetzero MDL Novice

    Apr 4, 2018
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    Thanks for all the responses guys. It looks like I will need to update my system again by reinstalling the OS. I'll probably also install Malwarebytes if its available and can work on my laptop specs.