How can I find out if my laptop has some sort of remote tracking device installed on it...or if there is a harware device some where attached to my laptops guts? Only reason I ask is becauses this laptop was in someones possession for several months before I was able to get it back and that somone is not a friend, and i dont know the potential they would go to, as far as spying on me or gathering personal info?
2006-12-08 20:55:49 · 17 answers · asked by B2 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Yes it is entirely possible, but unlikely.
A hardware keylogger could certainly be installed inside the keyboard. However, If you've never seen the inside of the PC before, you really don't have a basis of comparison for hardware change/ added components. This device would need some way to "phone home" once the data was collected. The preferred method here would be a root-kit, undetectable to AV scans, and able to hook essential system function calls. This would run at a level "under" the OS.
As far as physically tracking you , Sure.
Lo-Jack is quite common and integrates into the systems BIOS.Using SkyHook, if you connect into any of their wi-fi enabled hotspots, they can physically trace the location of the laptop.
This all boils down to the question of whether or not the person in question had the technical capabilities/ resources to pull any of this off. The only way to detect much of this nefarious action would be to analyze traffic from this laptop using a packet sniffing utility, and the expeirance to know what you were looking at in traffic patterns.
There are other ways the machine could have been compromised as well, but none as difficult to detect as the ones Ive already covered. An online Virus scan; such as Trend Micros Housecall; http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp
and a Rootkit scan using Blacklight;
http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight/
would eliminate you run of the mill back-door/ remote access Trojans.
2006-12-08 21:57:10 · answer #1 · answered by gnobody 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you COULD have a tracking device either hardware or software. Anybody could. Now,I suppose that since you are asking this, you got some clue that something's going wrong.
If it's a software based program (keylogger) you could scan your computer using various anti-spyware tools (spybot search & destroy is very good and WIDELY used, plus it's free) or anti virus programs if you have any cause you got to pay for most of them. Anyway, if it's that important to you, just pick some programs and start scanning.
If it's a hardware based keylogger, then you won't be able to detect it with any software tools, but then again why would somone want to use it to spy you? If you know your laptop's hardware, maybe quick scan it (with your eyes), but as far as I know hardware keyloggers could be keyboards, wires and stuff like that, I don't know what could be used on a laptop. Maybe you should ask a technician.
2006-12-08 21:11:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A hardware device, while not impossible, is pretty far-fetched.
Now, spyware is a much more realistic possibility. You should get one (or several) programs that sweep your discs and check. There are quite a few on the internet for free and you can also get several at your local computer store for around $10. Install one and follow the directions, it will take about 20 minutes to sweep, you can delete anything it finds, and you will feel better.
2006-12-08 21:03:11 · answer #3 · answered by clueless_nerd 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From what you say ... you may be a little paranoid ... but hey ... even paranoids have enemies
Yes it is possible that there is some sort of software on your laptop that send information to a 3rd party when ever you go online ... or as you say there could also be an electronic tracking device in it somewhere ...
But why would you think that???
2006-12-08 20:59:29 · answer #4 · answered by deadkelly_1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would try checking for spyware
www.lavasoft.com
adaware se personal its free
check for update,reboot and do a full scan
spybot also is a good choice
a free online scan
www.housecall.trendmicro.com
reformatting or re-installing should be a last resort option.
you may be right in thinking something may of been ut on your laptop, best to run checks to see.
2006-12-08 21:31:34 · answer #5 · answered by great one 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes.
Big Brother is indeed watching you.
When you vote people into office who promise to make the government do everything for society just short of wiping an able-bodied 25 year old's behind, you cannot expect to have any real rights.
There is a price for everything, and you have absolutely no inkling of what that price is, do you?
Tsk.
http://www.libertarianism.com
I hope you will open your eyes. God bless you.
Sleep calls. Be well.
2006-12-08 21:08:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
yes 100% possible . better save your data and get your drive clean. may be any patch file uploaded by third party.
its very easy even i can look in to your computer by just sending u one patch file by email or while on chat , so never receive any file which u r not sure of even from your friend.
2006-12-08 21:23:09 · answer #7 · answered by hi_kamaran 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm not sure about that one maybe you should take it to a computer shop and ask them to look to see if it's bugged
2006-12-08 21:06:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
look i gave it back didn,t i ? just be happy with that ok...
oh, and while i,m here , i think its not good for you to use your lap top in the bathroom, or any interior room , yeh , thats it, you should always use it close to a front window...ya.. the lights better there you know...
2006-12-08 21:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by vanshusband 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
BEST CHOICE IS FORMAT AND RE-INSTALLING WINDOWS AGAIN,IF ITS NOT POSSIBLE YOU CAN USE SPYBOT,DO SCAN IT WILL GIVES YOU ALL INTRUSIONS to your laptop and disconnect them.
2006-12-08 21:05:58 · answer #10 · answered by lostship 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋