System Monitor

A System Monitor is a form of spyware that monitors, records and transmits your computer usage. Your computer activity is recorded by the system monitor and is either stored to be retrieved later by the party who installed the software or is transmitted immediately to the person(s) responsible for the spyware. Keyloggers are probably the best known type of system monitors.

What can System Monitors do?

System monitors record everything you do on your computer – whether or not you are on the internet. They can read and record your e-mail messages, chat room conversations, web sites you visit and how long you stay on them, programs you run on your computer (i.e. word processing), and pretty much anything else you do on your computer.

System monitors are one of the more malicious forms of spyware, and it’s pretty scary what can be obtained by their use. Cybercriminals can capture your user name and password for your online banking account. If you use your credit card to do online shopping, a system monitor could capture that information. These programs can capture information even when you’re off-line. Do you use some sort of personal financial software to keep track of your checking and savings accounts? If you type in your account numbers or bank names in the program, a system monitor can record it for transmittal to a third party. With identity theft such a concern for most people, the thought of a system monitor on their computer can be frightening.

How do System Monitors get on my computer?

There are two ways a system monitor can get on your computer. The first is by someone with access to your PC directly installing the program. The second way is via a Trojan horse program. You can pick up a Trojan horse by visiting certain web sites, by downloading free programs from the internet, through instant messages or from an infected e-mail or attachment. When the Trojan horse is the form of delivery, the system monitor will be installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent.

How do I protect myself from System Monitors?

The best way to protect yourself from this malicious form of spyware is by using a good anti-spyware program. You need a program that can detect and clean system monitors from your computer while also providing real time protection from future system monitor infection. We recommend Webroot Spy Sweeper to remove system monitors and protect your computer and yourself from this dangerous form of spyware. Click here to remove system monitors from your PC now.