Virus & Malware Removal Perth

What Is Spyware and What Does It Do?

Spyware is software that installs itself on a computer, phone or tablet and secretly watches what you do. It can record keystrokes, capture passwords and banking logins, track the sites you visit, and pass that information to someone else. Unlike malware that announces itself, such as ransomware, spyware is built to stay hidden, though it can still slow a machine down.

It usually arrives bundled with a free download, through a fake software update, a dodgy email attachment or link, or a malicious website. In Australia, a common way in is a text or email that looks like it's from your bank, Australia Post or myGov, linking to a fake site that steals your login or prompts you to download a "security update". Some forms are installed deliberately by someone with access to your device, which is a common concern with stalkerware on phones.

• Adware: pushes pop-ups and redirects your searches.
• Keyloggers: record what you type, including passwords.
• Trojans: pose as legitimate software while opening a back door.
• Tracking and monitoring tools: log your browsing, messages or location.

How to Tell If You Have Spyware

Pop-ups, slowdowns and unfamiliar programs are covered in the signs of infection above. These signs point more specifically to spyware:

• Accounts show logins or password reset emails you didn't request.
• Friends receive emails or messages you didn't send.
• Browser extensions you don't remember installing.

If you've entered banking details or passwords on a device you suspect is infected, change them from a different, clean device. Doing it from the infected computer can hand the new password straight to the spyware. For a fuller walkthrough, see our guide to recovering from a scam or hack.

If several of these match, the safest next step is to stop using the device for banking and email and have it checked. If money or personal details have been stolen, report it through cyber.gov.au/ReportCyber.

How Do You Remove Spyware From a Computer?

Geeks IT Perth removes spyware from Windows PCs, Macs and laptops, onsite across Perth and its suburbs or remotely. A technician removes the spyware and what it leaves behind (browser extensions, startup entries, scheduled tasks), then helps you secure the accounts it may have exposed. Onsite is $205/hour and remote is $125/hour, with a one-hour minimum and no call-out fee.

Which devices we handle: we work on Windows PCs, Macs and laptops, and we also clean up iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets: dodgy apps, malicious profiles, scam calendar alerts and hijacked browsers.

If you think someone installed monitoring software on your device: think about your safety before removing it, because removal can alert the person who installed it. The eSafety Commissioner can help you plan next steps.

Spyware removal is more than running one scanner. Many infections leave browser extensions, startup entries or scheduled tasks behind that bring the problem back after a basic clean. Our technicians check for these, remove the malicious software and then look at what the spyware may have exposed.

• Back up first: where possible, we back up your files before we start work.
• Inspect and remove: we review running programs, startup items, browser extensions and installed software, then remove what shouldn't be there.
• Secure your accounts: we help you reset passwords for email, banking and other accounts, starting with the most important, and check email forwarding rules and recovery details.
• Close the gap: we update the system and security settings so the same route in is harder to use again.

If an infection is too deep to trust a clean, a full wipe and reinstall may be needed. We'll tell you before we do it.

No Fix, No Fee excludes hardware repairs and parts. To book, call 08 6385 7940 or book online.

One customer, Lorraine, wrote: "Raj who came out was very pleasant and gave some helpful tips as sons PC hacked and trojans found."

How to Avoid Getting Spyware Again

A few habits make infection much less likely:

• Download software only from the publisher's official site or your device's app store.
• Keep Windows, macOS, your browser and your apps updated.
• Don't click links or open attachments in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look familiar.
• Use a password manager and turn on two-factor authentication for email and banking.
• Review browser extensions occasionally and remove any you don't use.

If you suspect spyware or a hacked account, book a visit or call 08 6385 7940 before the damage spreads.

How much does spyware removal cost in Perth?

Geeks IT Perth charges $205/hour for onsite work and $125/hour for remote work, with a one-hour minimum and no call-out fee. No Fix, No Fee applies, excluding hardware repairs and parts.

Can you remove spyware from a phone or tablet?

Yes. Geeks IT Perth removes dodgy apps, malicious profiles, scam calendar subscriptions and hijacked browsers from iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets, then checks your Apple ID or Google account is secure.

Do I need to wipe and reinstall my computer to remove spyware?

Not usually. Most spyware can be removed with a thorough clean of programs, startup items and browser extensions. If an infection is too deep to trust a clean, a full wipe and reinstall may be needed, and Geeks IT Perth will tell you before doing it.