How To Know If System Is Clean.

Mitch · Friday at 9:03 AM

Hi. Hope this doesn't sound paranoid. My daughter had an issue with her laptop which is under warranty. She called the manufacturer's Tech Support line and the engineer connected to her machine to determine the problem. She was then advised to contact the software manufacturer as it was an issue with their software. Their Tech Support again connected to the PC and resolved the issue.
She is a bit concerned about technicians remote access to her laptop and privacy - I should stress that both are very reputable companies. She uses Defender and Malwarebytes Free on her pc and full scans showed nothing. Is there anything she should check to put her mind at ease? Thanks.

gunrunnerjohn · Friday at 9:06 AM

I doubt major manufacturers are adding malware to your systems. Without evidence to the contrary, I wouldn't spend too much time anguishing about this. There are plenty of real problems in the world if you want to exercise your worry genes.

FreeBooter · Friday at 9:08 AM

You can view details of processes and startup programs which can let you know Windows 11 clean.

This guide is about hunting malware with the Windows Sysinternals tools, we’ll be taking a look at “Autoruns”. A tool that let us visualize the auto starting locations of a system which malware can use to persist.

This guide explains how to use Process Explorer, to spot malicious software running on a computer.

JAM83 · Friday at 9:22 AM

Mitch said:
Hi. Hope this doesn't sound paranoid. My daughter had an issue with her laptop which is under warranty. She called the manufacturer's Tech Support line and the engineer connected to her machine to determine the problem. She was then advised to contact the software manufacturer as it was an issue with their software. Their Tech Support again connected to the PC and resolved the issue.
She is a bit concerned about technicians remote access to her laptop and privacy - I should stress that both are very reputable companies. She uses Defender and Malwarebytes Free on her pc and full scans showed nothing. Is there anything she should check to put her mind at ease? Thanks.

She only needs 1 antivirus. I prefer Malwarebytes though. I have Defender and all of its subsidiaries disabled

JAM83 · Friday at 9:23 AM

FreeBooter said:
You can view details of processes and startup programs which can let you know Windows 11 clean.

This guide is about hunting malware with the Windows Sysinternals tools, we’ll be taking a look at “Autoruns”. A tool that let us visualize the auto starting locations of a system which malware can use to persist.

This guide explains how to use Process Explorer, to spot malicious software running on a computer.

Autoruns is pretty good. I use it from time to time. . . . . . Eating Taco Bell though really gives me the auto runs.

gunrunnerjohn · Friday at 9:25 AM

Autoruns is very useful, but for a novice like the OP, I doubt they'd know what they're looking at.

FreeBooter · Friday at 9:31 AM

JAM83 said:
Autoruns is pretty good. I use it from time to time. . . . . . Eating Taco Bell though really gives me the auto runs.

Yes, if one knows how to use the Autoruns it's great tool.

@gunrunnerjohn i think my video explains the tell signs to look for.

Mitch · Friday at 10:00 AM

Thanks for the replies. Yes we don't want to go overboard on this. She has Defender enabled and uses Malwarebytes Free as an on demand scanner. She also has a Norton 360 sub but recently uninstalled it. Is Malwarebytes Free as capable as the subscription version?

gunrunnerjohn · Friday at 10:10 AM

Mitch said:
Thanks for the replies. Yes we don't want to go overboard on this. She has Defender enabled and uses Malwarebytes Free as an on demand scanner. She also has a Norton 360 sub but recently uninstalled it. Is Malwarebytes Free as capable as the subscription version?

The subscription version has real-time scanning, the free version just does on-demand scans. Obviously, with the free version, you have to remember to do the scans.

abactuon · Friday at 10:54 AM

Mitch said:
very reputable companies

It is not uncommon for reputable companies to have a number of individuals in their employ who may not always meet the highest standards.
It would be advisable to exercise caution when allowing someone else to use your computer.

pseymour · Friday at 11:05 AM

I'm not sure I'd worry about it too much, but if I was worried, I would also check the enabled firewall rules, to make sure no holes were punched in the firewall. For the built-in Defender firewall, check the Inbound and Outbound rules, and on the right side of the window, filter by state, and show Enabled rules. Just glance through there, and if something looks suspicious, ask about it on your favorite Windows forum. :)

How To Know If System Is Clean.

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