How can I tell if someone has gained remote access to my computer?

Question

I hear lots of clicks when I'm online -- even while just reading e-mail. Just wondering what, if anything, the clicks represent.

Answer 1

Your PC takes care of lots of things that cause access to the hard drive (where I assume you are hearing the clicks). There are anti-virus programs to scan your email, defragging programs, programs that get loaded at regular intervals to do everything from network status checks to ad-ware scans. So the clicking sound doesn't mean a whole lot by itself.

One think you can do is check what tasks are running with the task manager. Also, make sure you have your firewall up and a good anti-virus program running. The AV program will cause the clicking but is more likely to detect invalid activity than you are.

You can also check your firewall at grc.com, which also has quite a bit about computer security.

But the first thing in computer security is being aware of potential problems and being willing to act. You seems to have taken the first step. Don't stop now!

Answer 2

If you don't have a firewall (aside from your Windows Firewall), use ZoneAlarm. Once installed, it will ASK you if you allow a program to go in or go out to communicate. And if you think that program is OK then allow it, otherwise don't.

Firewall is the best protection even if spy/remote control are already in because you will know which programs are going to communicate - inside or outside.

Answer 3

Don't tell me you went and tried out Logmein or Gotomy PC!?

They're the kind of thing that lay you wide open to RATS!?

Please read the article at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/alerts/info/virusrat.mspx about RATS.

I do hope that you've got the Windows Malware Detection and removal tool. http://www.windowsdevcenter.com/pub/a/windows/2005/06/01/malware_removal.html tells you all about it.

You'll find the link to download it there. If you haven't found the link, then you can download it from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en

Please download it and run it, pronto.

Don't forget to keep updating for optimum protection.

All the best.

Cheers

Answer 4

unplug your computer from the web and listen for clicks. check firewall log if its a pc.

Answer 5

right click my computer, properties, tab remote and there you go. turn off remote access,

Answer 6

your puter just needs oil. use a heavy 10w40 for loud clicks.