Is there a way to find out if someone is monitoring your computer and doing malicious things to it?

Answer 1

There is but it's kind of complicated.
It's different attacks ppl use to control networks/computers.

If you're using a router it makes it a bit easier to tell. You can log into your router and filter all internet/network access to specifc MAC (media access control; hex value given by product vendor) addresses. By using this it's a tad more difficult for someone to use a man-in-the-middle attack.
Password protect your router and your netowork esp wireless ones.

You can also get a network sniffer to see what your network traffic too. Wireshark is great! it's free.

Other than that unless you're interested in getting deep into network intrusion detection I'd say get a(n):

Anti-virus - (not Norton; it's a resource junkie)
Firewall - I use ZoneAlarm but it's more out there
If you're really boned up on the job you can get a physical firewall. ZoneAlarm is just software. Physical firewalls stops packets at your "internet gateway", Software stops it at the computer.

Practice good Computer Security.
Emails - You don't know the sender - you don't have to open it and dont ever download there attachments.
If you use Outlook; take autopreview off. turn off html formatting.

I'll give more info if needed. send an email.

Good luck

Answer 2

You are describing something called "intrusion detection software (IDS)." They are a type of security software which monitors several areas of a computer. For example, they monitor changes to the startup program list, file type association, registry changes, changes to Internet Explorer homepage and default search engine...etc.. If they detect a change, the software will alert the user asking if the changes are o.k.. There are a number of IDS programs, some free and others not so free. By far the best free program I've come across is Bill Studios' Winpatrol (http://www.winpatrol.com/). But, there are many others, including: Cyberhawk, Arovax Shield, Spyware Terminator and Eeye Neighborhood Watch Free Edition. They are all free with a lifetime worth of updates.

Answer 3

No unless you are trainned in building a network. Then you'll be able to build yourself a firewall. But your firewall should help you out and also make sure you have an anti-virus active with updates. You NEED to update it every week. Also make sure you store your personal files on like a flash drive ( mobile drive) and keep it disconnected from your computer until you are ready to use it. Because if you do have a hacker then they will be looking around. Also keep your files on a backup server just incase you computer crashes and your house burns down ( hopefully it doesn't) and your other informaiton is lost. I like to use Mediamax.com Also keep your popup blocker active at all times even at yahoo because there are some who can create popup messages and you'll be a phishing victim. Also while ordering online make sure that it reads https:// that means that it is secured and your info won't be stolen as easily as it would if it just says http://. Other than that you should be fine. and if you do backup your system then all you have to do is to take and redownload everything from your streamload account.

Answer 4

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Even if you run a firewall, keep your virus definitions updated, and don't run attachments that are e-mailed to you, you may still be at risk. Browser vulnerabilities can allow intruders into your system or allow your private data to be read just by viewing a webpage. What follows are a series of browser security tests to see whether you are vulnerable.
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/

Answer 5

Go to Microsoft and down load their Malicious software removal tool (er something like that - I am not good with names) but it works. I had a voratious worm and they helped me a lot! And it is free.

Answer 6

Yes there is, go to
Start -> Run
type in
msconfig
Hit enter
click on the "startup" tab
These are all the programs that run when you first startup your computer
Uncheck all that you don't need (becareful here, you might think you don't need them but you do)
Here is a good page to see which ones you need, don't need, and what they are for

http://www.compu-docs.com/Startup.htm

and here's another one

http://www.lafn.org/webconnect/mentor/startup/PENINDEX.HTM

Answer 7

when you find out let me know. hope to hear from ya soon. toot a loo'''