Yesterday we reported that an international group of hackers claim they have breached Apple’s iCloud user database and stolen 300 million usernames and passwords. The group has threatened to initiate a widespread factory reset on April 7th, 2017, potentially wiping out data on tens of millions of iPhones and iCloud accounts should Apple fail to pay a ransom.
But that breach by nefarious hackers, while serious, is nothing compared to what your trusted operating system provider may be doing on your personal computer.
According to a recent report, if you are a Windows 10 user then every single keystroke you have ever typed on your computer may have been logged and sent to Microsoft.
You know those nagging questions during the installation process that ask you whether or not you want to “help” improve Windows by sending data to Microsoft? If you happened to answer “yes” to one of these questions, or if you went with the Microsoft default installation, there is a real possibility that everything you have done on your computer from the get-go, including sending “secure” messages (because the keyboard logger captures your keystrokes before they appear in your secure messaging app), is now a part of a massive user database somewhere.
There’s been heaps of controversy associated with Microsoft’s latest operating system Windows 10 since it was launched, but the latest issue takes the cake – apparently Windows has been quietly logging every single keystroke users make on their keyboards from the beginning. Even better, that data is being constantly sent to Microsoft’s servers on a regular basis.
Via IB Times
It’s been reported that Microsoft has been using the data to improve artificial intelligence writing and grammar software, but it’s not clear what else they are doing with it.
If you are OK with sharing your personal messages, usernames and passwords with Microsoft for the betterment of the Windows universe, then there is nothing else you need to do at this time.
But if you are concerned about your personal privacy, there are two ways to avoid having your computer spied on using this keylogger method.
Choose A Custom Installation
When installing Windows 10 for the first time you’ll want to select a ‘Custom Install’. This will allow you to choose what you do or do not want activated. To be safe, select ‘no’ for all options related to sending information or data to Microsoft or third-parties.
Update Your Privacy Settings
There is a simple way to identify whether or not your typing activities are being logged.
Simply click on your Windows 10 Start Menu. From there, go to Settings (or the gear icon) -> Privacy -> General
You’ll want to turn off the option that says, “Send Microsoft info about how I write to help us improve typing and writing in the future.”
Once moved to the ‘Off’ position, Microsoft keyword logging should no longer be a problem.
But even though Microsoft will no longer be accessing your data, keep in mind that recent leaked documents reveal most devices have been compromised by intelligence services, meaning that not only can they see what you are typing to friends, family and business colleagues, but they can remotely monitor your voice and video communications in real-time without you even knowing its happening, including when you think your computer is turned off.
Related:
Conspiracy Theorists Vindicated: CIA Uses “Hacking, Trojans, Viruses, And Weaponized Malware”
Widespread Surveillance State: “At This Rate We’ll All Be In Cages… Either Electronic Or Literal”
The best way to stop this is to completely clear computer of any windows garbage and install a linux OS,then,still be security conscience and encrypt what have you if needed.Even then billion dollar fusion centers probably figure you out but tis a start,something you can build on.Any windows OS is a bad foundation these days,not worth it,why do you think tis free?!
Another thing you can do is get a free download of CCleaner. Just search for free CCleaner, it cleans out the history and a bunch of crap and helps you run faster.
Thanks Mac, I thought I did all that at startup and just checked and walla 2 things were on. Fookin Microsoft! I have 10 because it is compatible with some of my surveillance stuff.
We found it on one of our PC’s too. Glad this helped you find it on your system as well!
Mac, my button is greyed out. What do you do then?
That should mean it’s off – maybe?
Not 100% sure
mine is also grayed out in the “ON” position, once it is on Microsoft will not allow it to be turned off.
Not for certain, but double check…I believe that the enterprise and server versions are the only ones that can be turned completely off…
Hattip to arstechnica.com for this info…
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/windows-10-doesnt-offer-much-privacy-by-default-heres-how-to-fix-it/
thanks for your help– I had one on too!
thanks again!
Microsoft Windows. The world’s biggest virus.
During a Windows 10 installation, you are presented with an opportunity to turn this stuff off, but ONLY if you elect to not go with default settings.
I make sure on any installation of Windows 10 that I do for my customers, that I TURN OFF just about everything that sends data back to Microsoft.
It’s certainly not fool proof either when you do this. Deep down inside, I suspect that there are still backdoors built into the OS that allow the Christians In Action and No Such Agency to see just about anything they want on your system.
Linux has been mentioned as an alternative. Linux is a fine OS, but unfortunately it’s just not ready for primetime when it comes to the general public. You have to be just a little bit “geeky” to use it as a system for everyday use. One of the reasons is that there are still a lot of applications that are not Linux compatible at this point. Also…some of the things people want to do on a computer can be a little difficult for people who are not technically inclined. Linux is not real good about telling you the reason why something doesn’t work. or if it does…it does so in terms that are so technical, the average user doesn’t know where to begin to fix it.
Linux is definitely more secure when it comes to hacking threats. But again….I suspect that if some alphabet agency wants to get into your computer, they WILL find a way.
About the most secure way to prevent being hacked is if you don’t have the system connected to the Internet at all…..EVER.
Even then….I remember reading an article how that some government agency was developing a way to access a computer using sound to somehow gain access through the system speaker. I don’t know about that. But hey…….a lot of people were laughing when folks said that our TV’s were spying on us.
They aren’t laughing now.
Awesome,your security is run and monitored by the feds,they could also choose what runs/does not for you,what could possibly go wrong!?That with some Krapco magazines and you are all set!
Uhhh, only to download video. It is not connected to computer or internet but a stand alone dvr. I watch vids from SD card on laptop not internet connected. Nice try though lol.
Oh and I read some comparisons on pmag vs. intrafuse and the results were like mine, intrafuse much stouter, performs the same, cheaper. Now what was your point again?
Oh and I read some comparisons on pmag vs. intrafuse and the results were like mine, intrafuse much stouter, performs the same, cheaper. Now what was your point again?
My point was Krapco’s sucked,had issues,may have upped game.I mention send magpul a e-mail,explain,give em a chance to do right as they will mail you new mags with a prepaid return,stick old mags in box,return and try new ones.Your response,a general put down of magpul instead of giving it a chance,hence,Krapco.The pmags I and friends use work just fine,and as said,the magpul only failed the freezer overnight test for breakage,they didn’t do same thing to the Krapco,just dropped mad on steel with rifle on a warm day.
“My point was Krapco’s sucked,had issues,may have upped game.I mention send magpul a e-mail,explain,give em a chance to do right as they will mail you new mags with a prepaid return,stick old mags in box,return and try new ones.Your response,a general put down of magpul instead of giving it a chance,hence,Krapco.”
Why would I return mags only to get replacements of the same thing? I’m just saying they seem cheaply made and others agree.They work fine just commenting on the pussiness of construction.
As far as my laptop, I don’t even have internet of any kind at the cabin where I use the dvr. Many many miles away from service (why I seem to disappear for months lol.) Why are you so hostile? Can I buy you a drink?
All traces/cards for wireless removed from computer?
Well,you are not giving em a chance to make it right,and,their ak mags seem to work fine in many reviews including video excepting the freezer test many say not a big deal,I say tis if you live in cold climes,that said,tappy not put to same freezer test!
As for hostility,hostile to everyone these days as folks do not seem to be waking the fuck up on so many levels!I really think time to get off all of the sites as really no longer seeing any positive growth and this and many sites have lost a lot of regulars no matter what the hit counts.
Also,you know damn well offering a man trying to stay sober in mentally trying times would be considered hostile.right?
Recheck security settings periodically. When MicroSoft updates your PC, microsoft often turn these spy settings back on while updating Windows 10. They are insidious.
I like CNET.com for good articles and security info. You can google “CNET” plus a topic like “securing Windows 10”.
COME ON GENUIS!! All the free shit in the world won’t keep MS out of your system!! You HAVE to delete specific files OUT of the OS to keep MS from getting you data!! Either learn which files to delete or take it to a technician who knows what he’s doing! OTHERWISE..even an ID10T Genuis can still breach your system!! How do I know all this..I have 2 Master degrees in compputing & networking, plus have been into computers since the days of AT’s & XT’s!! (the 1st “home” computers!) And if you want to stick with “windoze”..learn to use your router & get a firewall! (and not the free shit..I can get around them with my eyes closed!)
I think I have used this CCCleaner (free) in the past. That was a big mistake for me. I could not get rid of it and it kept sending me messages. So, beware of this software unless you find it can be easily removed when desired.
CCleaner is a good program and removing it is not a problem. If you ARE having problems removing it, I would suggest that there is something else going on with your system. Either that, or it’s operator error. Sorry to be so blunt, but that’s just the way it is.
I have found that Wise Care 365 does a very good job at cleaning up all the unnecessary junk etc. I cannot comment on CCleaner firsthand, but I’ve read that it can affect Excel files (e.g., not opening etc). I recommend one checks out the various user boards before using a cleaner, esp. when it comes to the registry.
Oh, and BTW, I refuse to DL/use Win10. I’m quite happy with Win7 Professional and I check the user forums again for each Microsoft KB update regarding telemetry…it takes time but you’ll avoid headaches and frustration.
Oh and there was a reason Microsoft released one of the worst OS’s in history, Windows 8, then offered a free “upgrade” to Windows 10. For anyone who fell for the Win8 scam and hated it enough to jump on the Win10 migration, they had you by the balls.
With CCleaner, I DO NOT recommend running the registry tool with Windows 10. I’ve had no issues with Windows 7 and CCleaner, but I’ve seen it cause problems with Windows 10. It’s fine for browser temp file cleanup though.
People need to start switching to LINUX to ultimately have a big impact on PC privacy, CCleaner is only great under the old windows paradigm. Start off with LUBUNTU to get a feel for how linux works because it is completely different in logic (more sensible) than winblows. Open source operating systems are the way to go, you have enthusiasts who verify the code and have their discussions on public forums. ALSO, if you do use Linux, please donate to the efforts of the distro of your choice in order to keep the movement thriving.
If the data is uploaded through the connection, it’s to late to delete the data. Just turn it off.
I have 4 computers( don’t ask why) only one is a windows 10 all the rest are Linux. Because I’m on a data limited Internet access, I’ve throttled the Win 10, my wifes machine, because it ate up half a months allotment in two days! Set your machine to meter updates. I’m not going to tell you how, but look it up on the net and find the method that works for you. I always have problems that no one else has, so any advice I give, probably won’t fit your situation. Linux is great, I have a BS in Computer science and it takes me two days to get a computer running( printers, WiFi, scanners, blah, blah, blah) from a “from scratch” ground up build, so unless, you have the skills Linux may not always be the way to go.
I just built a Ubuntu 16.04.2 machine. Everything works, but I still haven’t got the graphics right in the Gnome desktop( I hate Unity). Took about 6 hours effort.
Check out Q4OS q4os.org run it in a virtual box for a while if you wish or try the live cd. Debian based TDE. You may decide you don’t like Ubuntu anymore like I did! 🙂
One of the other things that Microsoft did with their default installation of Windows 10 is to turn your computer into a server to help push out updates to other Windows 10 systems on the Internet.
Isn’t that neat? They make your system do work for them without compensating you. For folks with limited bandwidth, that can be a real pain.
I pretty much detest Microsoft. I do wish Linux was a little more user friendly. Part of the problem is that there are so many different varieties of Linux and none of them do things exactly the same way.
I have used the Linux operating system for years to build extremely reliable file servers. I had one that was online over 900 days without a reboot. And when we did restart it, it was because the UPS battery backup had failed and had to be replaced.
Just don’t say anything you don’t want known, simple as that.. It is all spied on no matter what by NSA and others !
Honestly I could care less if they see or know what I am willing to say publicly and I say a lot more than most people by a long shot ! None of this is anything new at all, quite old actually. Just the continuation of this. The entire story of it all. http://www.downtoearththinking.com/our-government-created-google-and-facebook-.html
And it only gets worse as it is all completely interconnected like this we see ever expanding
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03-22/bombshell-cia-whistleblower-leaked-proof-trump-under-systematic-illegal-government-s
You’re about 90% correct sir..but..even the windows OS you pay for is this way! The OS STILL records your keystrokes etc, & sends it to MS! The ONLY way to prevent this is to completely DELETE specific files in the OS!! THEN..the only way MS can get to your data is by hacking individual computers..one at a time! This has been a known issue since it came out! The files to delete are out there,so be ready to dig or take the computer to a technician & get it fixed! AND THEN..go get a ‘firewall” (not the free ones ya cheaap bastard!) & learn how to use it!! And if your wondering..I’ve got degrees in computing & networking..and have been into computers since the AT’s & XT’s!!
What makes you think changing an icon from “On” to “Off” actually does anything? If they want it, they will get it.
Indeed… can’t argue with that
Yup,,,
Said it before,,, feel sorry for those poor bored fookers going over this bs
Only way to tell is to Wireshark your nic.
@ An IT guy…..
Excellent point.
I suspect that there is no real defense against hacking or interception by sophisticated entities. Period. The computer has won.
This Caveman doesn’t have #10.
Sgt.
No Windows 10 here. I’m still on Windows 7 on a machine I built from scratch a few years ago. My next machine will have to be Linux. I will still keep a Windows machine, not connected, because of some software I use which hasn’t been ported to Linux yet.
The ONLY reason I have a Win 10 machine is for Visio( drafting and design), my OBDII tool( car repair and tweaking), and my wifes stupid games that only play on windows.
I’d totally dump windows if I didn’t use those applications.
I have win .243 and .300 win mag, both will beat win 10 anyday 🙂
I’m a metric sort of guy.
5mm, 5.56mm, 5.6mm, 6mm, 7mm, 7.62mm, 9mm, 11.43mm, are my favorites.
Shotguns are a different matter, I stay old school there
12 and .410.
Genius and Rellik, from Braveheart’s Book of Resistance; CHAPTER 12-gauge, VERSES .380ACP, 9MM, .30 Carbine, .22LR. My version of ‘diversity’, LOL!
Hmmm….,a standard size guy meself,.40/.45/.50,yep,didnt completely buy into the new world order measurement system.
On a side,seems your use of windows for things mentioned means can for most part be stand alone/not online except say updates.The obd 2 meter I have is 16 buck model,so far,all the numbers that came up on check engine correct!
Don’t take any pistol to a gun fight in a caliber that doesn’t begin with a 4.
Even a win. 22 can destroy windows 10.
No Microsoft product should ever be referred to as, or associated with “10”.
10, as in binary for 2
Windows 7 is loaded with backdoors as well. Windows 10 is just more efficient at it because it has been redesigned under the new data business model that google has successfully implemented on the sheeple. If your PC can run windows 7 decently, then it’s time to make the switch to linux ASAP! Start off with LUBUNTU to get familiar with the way linux works, if you aren’t experienced with it, then move onto a different linux distro. All PCs run significantly better with linux than winblows!
Microsoft is such a bunch of evil-doers!
Not as bad as “First, let’s ONLY do evil” Guggle
turned it off twice in the last two months ,each time it has been turned back on.
JJ,just rebooting/turning on for you as they realize you did it by accident!You use a laptop as part of your security,for gods sake,never,and I mean never,have it on line,dedicate a laptop for this and remove any wifi cards ect.,same with anything on a computer you do not want on net,never go online with it.
Back in 2002, while attended a conference regarding online privacy of the every increasing presence of the web. I still remember the open line from one of the Lawyers presenting it:
“Email is forever.”
There was a brief hush over the audience. He let that one sink in, as it was received as a serious declaration. Then he went about proving his statement with actual examples of how email data was used to bring down entire companies. He also mentioned how law enforcement loves email, how it made their investigations that much easier.
Case in point. There was company, whom I forget and won’t name, that destroyed the data on it’s servers and shredded files prior to an anticipated subpoena. However, an ex employee whom worked as their IT Manager years before, still had the backup tapes in his basement refrigerator! That was a lucky find. (Think of how many clouds your stuff is sitting in now? Yep).
This was before smart phones and texting. The recommendation was to avoid “send all”, and think before you send. Pick up the phone (landline) or have a meeting in private regarding sensitive information. whatever was necessary to keep it off the servers. In other words, go analog.
Fast forward 15 years and see if his advice still holds water.
Email is forever.
So are pictures.
So is video.
So are text messages on your phone.
So are voice messages in your voicemail box.
Everything is forever.
To; Mr. Wm (Bill) Gates
FUCK YOU!
can you hear me now?
Can he hear you now?
Not if he is using buggy Microsoft technology. Too bad I threw out my Commodore 64…
If only more folks only knew. June 27, 2013 Spying on Americans before 9/11
NSA Built Back Door In All Windows Software by 1999
http://www.globalresearch.ca/spying-on-americans-before-911-nsa-built-back-door-in-all-windows-software-by-1999/5338215
Just sending a big ol’ HOWDY to all the hackers, snoops and scamsters monitoring me on this site! And note to Bill at Microsoft? If you are going to be on my video cam, why don’t you invite me over for a drink sometime? And yeah, I’m the blonde guy you used to see in my hacked video cam… til I covered it up with duct tape. And you guys still got water there in Bluffdale? https://www.wired.com/2014/11/utah-considers-cutting-water-nsas-monster-data-center/
We need to stop bad guys for sure… but what ever happened to “they hate us for our freedoms and Constitutional rights????” If we lose our Constitutional freedoms, what is it, exactly, that needs to be defended?
I knew of this when windows 10 came out. I have windows 7 they have been trying to get me to down load 10 since it came out. “NO WAY IN HELL” Loving windows 7.
They keep this up and I’m going back to a wind up alarm clock…tick tock, tick tock.
The Amish life is looking better and better except for the hard work and lack of AC.
And the women are fuuuugllyyyy!
Not necessarily. I seen a few at their farmers markets on Saturdays. They are plain (no makeup or sexy clothes) but the sharp eye can spot potential and I have seen potential. When you see curves on the modest clothes they wear you damn sure know there is a serious figure under there. Think of this too; they don’t have or use credit cards. Whats that worth to ya?
Ha ha ha, good point!
Genius, no, their women are fresh!
Kevin2, we have AC. 🙂
But you’re right about the hard work.
For Windows 10, I use Spybot Anti-Beacon.
It claims to turn off the spying, and keep it turned off.
@Night Owl….
Yeah…and the NSA probably developed that program.
Just kidding….I don’t know that. But then again……
Who knows?
Don’t forget to run Destroy Windows Spying in your computers with Windows 7/8/10:
https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases
Enrico Trozzo
whats up
I guess my Zeus Character got kicked off eh? lol
This is a quick download app that will get rid of the windows 10 problem areas. Read the notes below. And also read this link first to see what the app is all about. http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html
I downloaded it, and it protects my Windows 7, from downloading any windows 10 spyware crap, or system invasions etc.
By downloading the attachment, it just brings up a selection panel to pick and choose what you want to, or do not want to load from Win 10. Just by downloading the control panel attachment, it does not change anything to your system. Only when you select the features you want off the control panel, will changes be made.
And, you can also later bring up the same panel, and click back on, the features if you want too receive Win 10. The control panel lets you do that. Take a look.
Everything Win10, is clicked off now, on my system. Maybe this can help you as well.
FUCK YOU WINDOWS “10”
I will bet that telling Microsoft to NOT do/record/send something will mean nothing, They will do it anyway.
I will bet there is a ‘backdoor’ code to every computer that is available to the KGB/Gestapo/CIA/NSA.
Etc!
Install an entirely different Operating System. I recommend Linux Mint 18.1 Cinnamon. It is extremely easy to install. Actually easier than installing Windows 7, my previous go to OS. Extremely user friendly. The GUI is very similar to Windows 7.
Hardware drivers for Linux used to be hard to find. But the situation has rapidly improved over the past few years. I had no problem finding drivers for my EPSON scanner for example. My Logitech webcam was plug and play. 4TB USB HDs were immediately recognized and mounted. Ditto an ASUS Xonar DX sound card. All that was required was a download of ALSA.
Yet, Eugenicist and Globalist Gates is not a Person of Interest. His software ties into other globalists’ master computers. Snowden warned us of all this, did he not?
Too late, Bill– that Person of Interest TV show woke up many millions.
And some of us have known that Skynet’s been here since the ’70’s.
Of course, there’s One Person who sees more than all your keystrokes and cameras combined, Bill: Almighty God!
– the Lone Ranger
I hope no one is spying on me because there are so many things that they might find out, from the bodies under the floorboard, to the arsenal of weapons in the attic. I admit it, I am the Uni-bomber. Ted is innocent. I have plans to overthrow the government and install myself as Dictator. I am a tri-sexual. I will try anything at least three times. I beat my dog, well, I will qualify that statement, I would beat my dog, if I had one. Gee, I could go on but it’s time to eat and I’m having a friend for dinner.
__
Micro$oft must be working for the CIA
Get a Mac
At least I hope it’s better as far as security goes.
Hmmm
Numerous PC software experts have investigated windows 10 and found that even after shutting off every single user accessible option governing communication between Bill Gates and the user Windows 10 continues to phone home….a LOT. And much of that “communication” is encrypted and therefore cannot be analyzed for content.
In short, Windows 10 is so egregious that multiple marge corporate accounts and more than a few countries refused to install it. Consequently Microsoft actually went back and striped out the spyware created a defacto Windows 9 version. It is called 8.1 industrial or some such thing. No it is not available, nor is it supported in the retail channel…….
I installed Spybot Anti-Beacon on both of my Microsoft OS computers, one running Windows 7 and the other running Windows 10. So far, no problems whatsoever.
Just to make sure, my ‘just in case’ computer is a notebook running Linux Mint.
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
None of these suggestions will do any good. They have IT guys who already know how you peons want to circumvent the system – you can’t. Either you accept the intrusion, or you don’t use a PC, that’s your choices.
Use Linux..
Seems to me you should have stayed on MS 07. . .I did & it works just fine !
Seems to me you should have stayed with Microsoft 7. .works fine for me.
Windows took over IBM technology, IBM was developed to track internment camp prisoners:
http://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/software/286148-the-rise-of-dos-how-microsoft-got-the-ibm-pc-os-contract
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_and_the_Holocaust