Comments on: To Catch A Snoop: How To Tell If Someone Has Been On Your Computer

By: Tim Lenahan

Tim Lenahan — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:15:52 +0000

Thanks for helping here. I’m not too familiar with Macs and Linux.

Yes, browsing history should be at least similar in the mentioned OSs.

By: timmyjohnboy

timmyjohnboy — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:15:52 +0000

Thanks for helping here. I'm not too familiar with Macs and Linux.

Yes, browsing history should be at least similar in the mentioned OSs.

By: Simon Slangen

Simon Slangen — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:12:06 +0000

Hi Bob, For Mac OS X... You can check recently opened files and applications via the Apple menu (top-left) -> Recent Items. For the most recently modified files, both Finder and Spotlight aren't too reliable ; not even all folders are indexed. Instead, run the Terminal (Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal) with the following command: "find ~ -type f -ctime -1 | more". This will look for all files recently adjusted in the specified directory in the terminal - by default, probably, your home folder. For example, "find ~/Documents -type f -ctime -0 | more" will then be limited to your Documents folder. Adjust "ctime -1" to specify the number of 24-hour cycles that need to be included. Checking internet browsing histories is similar to Windows. K9 Web Protection also works on Mac OS X. Hope this helps. Cheers.

By: Simon Slangen

Simon Slangen — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:12:06 +0000

Hi Bob,

For Mac OS X...

You can check recently opened files and applications via the Apple menu (top-left) -> Recent Items.

For the most recently modified files, both Finder and Spotlight aren't too reliable ; not even all folders are indexed. Instead, run the Terminal (Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal) with the following command: "find ~ -type f -ctime -1 | more".

This will look for all files recently adjusted in the specified directory in the terminal - by default, probably, your home folder. For example, "find ~/Documents -type f -ctime -0 | more" will then be limited to your Documents folder. Adjust "ctime -1" to specify the number of 24-hour cycles that need to be included.

Checking internet browsing histories is similar to Windows.

K9 Web Protection also works on Mac OS X.

Hope this helps. Cheers.

By: Bob Stromberg

Bob Stromberg — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:05:08 +0000

Is there a similar article for the Mac? For Linux?

By: Tim Lenahan

Tim Lenahan — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 06:38:29 +0000

This article was intended to find out if snooping has or has not occurred already, as in a situation where security measures should have been taken but weren't. Using encryption and password managers is a good idea though. Thanks for the tip.

By: timmyjohnboy

timmyjohnboy — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 06:38:29 +0000

This article was intended to find out if snooping has or has not occurred already, as in a situation where security measures should have been taken but weren't.

Using encryption and password managers is a good idea though. Thanks for the tip.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 05:10:22 +0000

I’m surprised that file encryption programs like True Crypt and password managers like Keepass weren’t mentioned here. Encrypting sensitive files and managing strong passwords in a secure password vault way would go a long way towards preventing this type of identity theft.

By: timmyjohnboy

timmyjohnboy — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:06:02 +0000

If you are in danger of people snooping (PC in a public place in the house), perhaps manually locking it whenever you’re done would be a better bet.

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:03:37 +0000

I’m still surprised at how many people leave their computer logged on and auto-fill their passwords. usually all it takes to “hack” someone’s email, facebook, etc. is to walk up to their computer and log in. that’s why everyone should have their computer set to automatically lock after a few minutes of inactivity and if you’re more paranoid tell your browser to prompt you for a password before it auto-fills.

By: timmyjohnboy

timmyjohnboy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:14:00 +0000

Scary, isn’t it? It’s good practice to keep personal stuff out of reach just to keep temptation from those who might take advantage.

By: Ana YourNetBiz Mentor

Ana YourNetBiz Mentor — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:10:12 +0000

It came as a shock to me that the worst identity theft offenders are people we know. Can’t we trust anyone these days?

Ana Hoffman

By: Traffic Generation Cafe

Traffic Generation Cafe — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:10:12 +0000

It came as a shock to me that the worst identity theft offenders are people we know. Can't we trust anyone these days?

Ana Hoffman

By: Doink @ Designioustimes.com

Doink @ Designioustimes.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:34:10 +0000

I got my WoW account hacked last year. Since then, i always keep Spybot Search & Destroy open.