Spyware on computer? ... And can someone spy on a cell or landline?

[TiredOfThis]

Hi All,

Well, I made the mistake of dating a control freak who - unfortunately for me - is also an COMPUTER EXPERT. I should have never let him back into my life after finding out he put spyware on my DESKTOP computer last year (Spector Pro - though he would never confirm that's what it was and "claimed" he removed it). I never believed him, and from then on I would ONLY use my laptop (that he had not had his hands on in months prior to that). I did take the ADDED precaution of doing a complete system reboot on my LAPTOP (NOT my desktop as it had just too much on it I couldn't lose) but HOPEFULLY this reboot on my laptop obliterated anything that *may* have been on it. I don't think anything was on it, as I kept my laptop well hidden, but I did this anyway.

Now - that I finally came to my senses and got rid of this person - I still worry he could be spying. So ... my questions to you are ....

1) If he put another spyware on my DESKTOP computer can he somehow (say, via my modem or something else) be seeing what I'm doing on my LAPTOP???

2) I use Kaspersky as my virus/malware control - unfortunately, he is a Kasperksy expert, as this is what his company uses. So he could have modified Kaspersky so his spyware or changes don't show up. How could I find out?

3) Also - and this is not computer related - but can people really spy on your cell phone (or even your home phone) I've read these supposed claims (ie., "CellPhoneSnoop) that a person can install something - ON THEIR PHONE - and find out what YOU'RE doing on YOUR PHONE.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[SuperDave]

Hello  and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer. I am working under the guidance of one of the specialist of this forum so it may take a bit longer to process your logs.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

For information about your cell phone there is some good information here.

The only way your landline conversations can be listened in on is if your telephone has been tapped.

We can check your computer for spyware if you want to run some scans. Please let me know.

[fire*girl]

Hi Superdave,

I have the same problem as above. I believe that there has been surveillance software installed on my home desktop. I would like some advice and would be willing to run some scans to try and find it.

Thanks!

[Allan]

fine*girl,
Please go to the following link and follow all of the steps in your own thread and either SuperDave or one of our other malware specialists will be happy to help you: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html

[Skert]

I've heard of some remote spy software which can be installed remotely; it means that such software needs no physical installation. I'm not sure, you can find more related info in google. Or this article about How to detect a remote access to the computer may help you. Good luck for you.

[rthompson80819]

3) Also - and this is not computer related - but can people really spy on your cell phone (or even your home phone) I've read these supposed claims (ie., "CellPhoneSnoop) that a person can install something - ON HEIR PHONE - and find out what YOU'RE doing on YOUR PHONE.

Keep in mind that a cell phone is really just a two way radio and while the content is digitized it is still common radio traffic, so yes it is possible, and there are units on the market that can intercept calls, but it's highly unlikely he has one.  There are not cheap.  As for a land line phone, unless he works for a phone company or a law enforcement agency, it's unlikely he could tap into your phone calls.  Again it's possible, but you probably would  see a odd wire running down your telephone pole or coming from your pedestal.