How to Detect Hidden Files & Keyloggers

Once you've adjusted your settings to see hidden files, a simple search will reveal them.

All major operating systems contain hidden files, which are files that are not visible by default. You can choose whether or not you want to view them by changing your system settings. Many hidden files are important to your computer's performance -- they are deliberately hidden by the operating system developer so they are not accidentally deleted by the user. By contrast, keyloggers are a type of spyware that records your keyboard's activity. They are a potentially dangerous form of malware that can capture passwords and credit card numbers.

Instructions

Finding Hidden Files

1. Press the Start button at the lower left corner of your screen. Click "Control Panel" in the right-hand column that appears.

2. Select "Appearance and Personalization," then, under the "Folder Options" category, click on "Show Hidden Files and Folders." From the Folder Options panel that opens, on the View tab, make sure that "Show hidden files, folders and drives" is checked. This will cause any hidden files to appear. Hidden files always have a translucent icon.

3. Find hidden files by name by opening the folder you want to look at and typing into the search bar the files you want to find. You can also find hidden files by opening any file folder and looking for the translucent file icon.

Detecting Keyloggers and Malware

1. Download a malware scanner that specializes in spyware, such as Spybot S&D or Spy Shelter.

2. Install the malware scanner by double-clicking on the downloaded file and clicking "Next" until it is done.

3. Run the newly-installed scanner. It will return any spyware or keyloggers it finds.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not delete potentially system-critical files if you don't know what they do, including anything that is saved in "C:\\Program Files," "C:\\System32," or "C:\\Windows"

References

• Search Midmarket Security

Resources

• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Spy Shelter