Is There A Virus Where People Can See What You Type As You Type It?

Question

I was watching an episode of "Law and Order" where a man cyber-stalked a woman by giving her PC a virus that allowed him to actually watch what she was doing on her PC in real time. There was another virus (on another L&O episode) that allowed the hacker to access another person's email. What kind of virus is that and what kinds of devices protect against it? Where are people getting this kind of stuff?!

And for you super savvy computer people: are Macs as vulnerable as PCs?

I'm going through a some issues with a very strange Ex-husband who lives on his computer. I have changed my IP provider and email, but I would like to find a way to be as protected as possible. Thanks!

Answer 1

There are remote desktop programs that allow you to see exactly what the user sees. They are available for all platforms, but the difference is that on the Mac OS, it isn't possible for the program to be installed without alerting (it actually requires them to enter the admin user name & password) the user, so no, the Mac isn't as vulnerable as a PC.

If you have a Mac, just go to System Preferences (under Apple Menu) and click on Sharing, then click the Services tab if it isn't selected and be sure that no sharing is turned on that you aren't sure you want, especially Remote Login. If they're all off, no one can get in.

sirpaul896 is only partially correct. Macs don't have ANY viruses. They aren't as big a target, but they weren't as big a target when they had OS 7, 8, or 9 either, and they had viruses. OS X has none because it's much more secure.

Answer 2

There is, it's called keylogger. It can be transfered through e-mail, an other people can see what you are typing by sending files over email as well, so the program emails the person who made/distributed the virus with whatever you have typed in a defined period of time. Macs don't have as many viruses because they are not a big target. If you where a hacker, would you try to infect over 80% of computers (PCs) or the 20%? I'd go with the 80%.

Answer 3

Yes it is entirely possible to see what you type, mouse movements, even exactly what you see on your screen. Let's make sure your system is clean first.

Update and run your Anti-Virus program. Don't have one? You can run a free online scan from Trendmicro. When I have tested it it takes some time to run it but it may be time well spent if it can fix any problems.

Download and run http://housecall.trendmicro.com/


Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/ . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.

Download, update and run Adaware---http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/products/select_your_product.php

Download HijackThis---http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php#hijackthis. Run and Save a Log. When you log comes up copy and paste the entire log at http://www.hijackthis.de/ . Analyze your results. You will then get a screen that will tell you if you have any nasty stuff in your computer. Follow instructions to deal with any nasties. CAUTION: This is a very powerful tool. Be careful.

Now you need a very good firewall. I feel the firewall is the key. I suggest you get one from Comodo. It is very good right out of the box.

It's Free. Forever. No Catch. No Kidding

The Award-Winning Comodo Firewall
PC Magazine Online's Editor's Choice
Secures against internal and external attacks
Blocks internet access to malicious Trojan programs
Safeguards your Personal data against theft
Delivers total end-point security for Personal Computers and Networks
Install now for out-of-the-box protection against identity theft hackers, Trojans, scripts and other unknown threats

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Answer 4

You might want to buy a new keyboard too. Apparently some keystroke loggers are not just viruses, but also physical ones that are installed or attached directly to the keyboard, so if the guy gave you a new keyboard for Christmas, you might not want to use it.

There's also the virus, but you may be able to protect yourself via the latest and best anti-spyware programs. If your husband is a hacker, though, and not just a troll, then maybe you have to be wary of him making telnet connections to your computer (ex: chat).

It doesn't take someone super-saavy to know that Macs are not as PCs for the reason stated above, however, if we all bought Macs, they would suddenly be the new IBM-style target.

Short answer: yes, you have to be careful on the internet. Your boss may be watching too... :P

Answer 5

There is no virus like that. That is only a movie and keep in mind movies are made to do what ever the producers want them to be able to do. Nothing else.

As to getting a Virus, any computer is as vulnerable as any other. Mac is only a different operating system like but not compared to the Windows Operating System.

Do not worry about your X ion more ways in one. If per say he loves on his computer he first off wont come around and bother you. Second as long as he does not have access to your computer, (IN YOUR HOUSE or where ever your computer is at) he can not do anything to see what you have done or what ever.

As to the Key Logger answers. This is a program that you install on your computer so you can see what others that have access to your computer or computers have been doing. This for the most part are used to see what a business employee may be doing rather than working. Some parents may have this as well to see what there children are up to.

There really is no need for you to worry about anything like this, but if per say you do, there are a few programs out there to help you feel more relaxed.

Ghost Surf is one and quite good as well as Animus Surfing. Bottom line is, no one outside your house can invade your computer but you.

Hope this helps...

Only you have the options to allow others to use your computer!!

Answer 6

Yes they are called key loggers. the best thing you can do is put a fire wall on you computer and have it running all the time also get a virus scanning program and download it to your computer run this program about once a week.

Answer 7

If you are nervous about keyloggers, you can try these 2 great freebies:

The free SnoopFree Privacy Shield 1.0.5 for Windows XP will check for software keyloggers on your Windows XP computer. Free at:
http://www.snoopfree.com/PrivacyShield.htm
and /or
K-L Detector. Free from:
http://dewasoft.com/privacy/kldetector.htm

Good luck.

Answer 8

Not really, but there are programs called keyloggers that record what you type.