Help... how does my room mate get to know my password all the time?

Question

I share a computer with a very nosy roomate who seems to be always checking my email account...I have constantly changed the password but its no use.I have searched for any suspicious programs on the PC but could find nothing. Please help & tell me where I should look for it so I can disable it or delete it. Thanxs!

Answer 1

your room-mate could be using a hardware-based keylogger. It would plug into the computer's parallel port, or the usb port, or it could be embedded into the keyboard to log your keypresses. In some cases, these hardware keyloggers sit inline with the keyboard's ps2 plug where they store all the information in an EEPROM for later retrieval by the person who planted it.

Most likely, this is what is happening to you - assuming you are keeping your password private. If I were you, I'd kick this room mate out of the house!

Good luck...

Answer 2

Do not save your credentials on the email. If you are using cache credentials- like on Yahoo it gives you the choice of remembering your password- that stores it in your cache for a set period of time, then uncheck that option. It means logging in each time, but it also means your roommate can't come in behind and just login using the stored password. Although it's a nice feature if you are the only one using a computer, it's a security risk if you are sharing one. So uncheck the option when you sign in to check your email.
On the other hand, if your roommate is actually using a program to crack the passwords, she/he could have the actual program on a detachable memory stick- rather than on the computer itself. The security log on your computer will show if a third party program is being used to get the information, but you'll need to be the administrator of your computer to be able to access the security logs. If you are, go to the Computer Management console, under My Computer. Or you can go to the Control Panel, to Administrative Tools, to the Management Console, and look in the events logs under the security tab. It will list all the security applications that have been used.
From what this sounds like, it's not something that involved- more than likely it's just you leaving yourself logged in by choosing the save password option. If you uncheck that, your password isn't saved- and even a password cracker wouldn't work.

Answer 3

Maybe you're too obvious with your choices. Why don't you try going to the dictionary and just picking a random word as your password. If your roommate cracks that, then yes, they are probably usng some sort of software.

That aside, if you know they are going through your email account, why don't you just confront them and tell them to mind their own f*cking business! You don't have to be quite that confrontational if you don't want to, but you should definately stand up for your right to have some privacy.

Answer 4

Your Room mate use KeyLogger maybe, it will log anything you typing in your computer, or He/She have a password breaker.

to get rid KeyLogger, you must install some antivirus,
the problem is : Your roommate could install it again
same as the password breaker.

To solve the problem, don't share computer with your roommate

Answer 5

Change your password. Then do not have computer ever remember it. And always close your browser (like Internet Explorer) when finished with email. If Key Logger being used bigger problem but most folks wouldn't be that brazen.

Answer 6

When you sign on windows ask you do you want to save the password, SAY NO or anyone signing on to your computer can sign on with your password. That is the most common reason a person using your computer can access your e-mail.

Answer 7

I think it is by spyware or adware or virus.i suggest u get ad-aware anti spyware and adware www.download.com and click on download ad-aware SE personal edition.That is not all download AVG anti-virus software www.free.grisoft.com and remember to scan and update them.And if your room mate have an account perhaps you would mind changing his account type to limited account.click start,click control panel,click user accounts,click change an account click on your room mate account and click change account type.Also remember to create a password for yourself to prevent unauthorised people to access your account.
good luck

Answer 8

Maybe your roommate has placed a mini spy cam in the room pointed twards the computer!!!

Answer 9

try un checking remember me or save password. and make sure u sign out when done

Answer 10

2 Words, "Hardware Keylogger".