How can I tell if someone else has access to my computer information and it's stealing it?

Question

The other day I was checking something on ebay and all of a sudden a window containing confidential iinformation popped out on my screen, I didnt open any folder or anything, and also sometimes when Im working on Internet, the window closes,it just closes, I think someone else is accessing my computer, which is frigging annoying since I have lots of information, that Im not interested in sharing with anyone.Does anyone know how to check and stop people from accessing your computer?

Answer 1

Use your spyware protection program and run a scan. It's possible your infected with something. Most virus protection programs may not detect spyware infection. So it;s best to have two different programs. I use spybot.

Answer 2

Your best start is to read to this forum -

http://www.castlecops.com/HijackThis.htm...

Which will walk you thru the tools listed -

http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Remov...

One important thing is the fact that you should completely update the Operating System and ALL of the patches.  If your machine is patched for the vulnerability on the HD, then YOU cannot get infected.  It is the more proactive approach (patching your machine, keeping your software updated, using the most current firmware and drivers).  AV is ALWAYS reactive!

By following the process above, you will be able to figure out if:

1)  You anything has been compromised

2)  Update your computer

3)  Find out if anything is running that has remote signiture.

If you need any help (especially if the forum is slow), please let me know!