System monitors are programs that track a user’s online activity. System monitors are a form of spyware that stealthily steals user information without their knowledge. The stolen information goes towards launching further attacks. Sometimes, threat actors sell user data to third parties.
The system monitors spying on a computer. Governments, law enforcement authorities, or even hackers could use system monitors to monitor the activity of the targeted victim’s device remotely.
How Do System Monitors Work?
System monitors run in the background, with their goal being to record sensitive information from a user’s device. They collect and store this information without the knowledge or consent of the victim.
System monitors collect all kinds of information from victims’ computers. Sometimes, this spyware takes screenshots of the visited sites and documents. It also monitors the sent and received emails and records keystrokes in the same way as keyloggers.
Keyloggers are malicious system monitors that record every stroke users make on their keyboard. It monitors the victim’s system to capture any sensitive information for trading later or causing further attacks.
Threat actors transmit the stolen records to a remote server. Sometimes, the data exists locally within the victim’s system, with the threat actor retrieving it later for use.
How Do System Monitors Infect My Device?
System monitors infiltrate your device in multiple ways, such as:
- Threat actors will use phishing campaigns to launch system monitors to compromise a user’s device. Phishing emails and links are a common way to lure victims into downloading spyware.
- System monitors can also be concealed in software packages. Threat actors hide the spyware in plugins and add-ons.
- Threat actors could also exploit vulnerabilities in your device’s system to deploy system monitors.
How To Detect System Monitors
System monitors can be nearly impossible to detect as they hide within a user’s device and avoid detection by security systems.
However, there are obvious signs of infection. You might notice strange behavior with your computer or mobile device. In some cases, your device might work slower than usual. You might also see signs of compromise, like unauthorized access to online accounts.
Using antivirus software to scam your system will detect any signs of compromise. The best thing about these programs is that they remove any system monitor and other spyware from your device.
How to Remove System Monitors
If your device shows signs of infection by system monitors, you should take measures to remove the malicious program. Search the malicious program on your device, uninstall it, and take protective measures.
Sometimes, removing the system monitors on your own might leave a malicious program on your device. A security solution like an antivirus program will clean the entire system and prevent future attacks.
How to Protect Against System Monitors
The first line of defense against system monitors is using an internet security solution with proactive anti-malware and antivirus detection features. Using virtually encrypted keyboards also ensures hackers using keyloggers to monitor your system do not gain access.
Prevention is always better than cure. You can lower the chances of compromise by browsing the internet safely. To do this, avoid pirating websites and not download apps or programs from unknown sources.
Conclusion
System monitors, as denoted by the name, monitor your device’s activity with the intent to steal data. System monitors are stealth in operation and hide in the user’s system to avoid detection by security systems. This form of spyware steals a user’s information without consent. To prevent exploitation, users should deploy antivirus programs for additional safety.
