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Resist Surveillance

By Will Ellis

Last Updated on November 16, 2023

As a free online solution, Detekt performed thorough scans that checked for commercial spyware. Specifically, Detekt looked for FinFisher and Hacking Team RCS, both of which target journalists and those working to defend human rights.

WHy Is spyware DANGEROUS?

Until the late 90s, video surveillance and police surveillance were predominant when it came to privacy being endangered.

Lately, commercial surveillance technology has seen rapid trade growth. This technology provides individuals with the ability to steal information, read emails, hack into video cameras, access files, and much more. All the while, the owner of the computer or laptop cannot see such activity.

Unfortunately, this software is easily accessible all over the internet. Naturally, there are different levels, sophistication, and subsequently price tags of such software. Some of these technologies sold to the public may even be the same that are sold to national intelligence agencies and local law enforcement groups.

What’s more, across most of the world, there is little being done to protect individuals from such spyware. Repressive governments, extremist groups, and individuals can all purchase such software and exploit it to target human rights defenders.

VARIOUS STUDIES AND INVESTIGATIONS HAVE PROVEN THAT MANY GROUPS THAT DEFEND AND REPORT ON HUMAN RIGHTS— SUCH AS POLITICIANS, NONPROFITS, JOURNALISTS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS—HAVE BEEN TARGETS OF INVASIVE SURVEILLANCE FROM GOVERNMENT BODIES.

If you suspect you are at risk of surveillance, immediately seek expert counseling. If you are sure your privacy has been compromised, the best thing to do is disconnect your computer from the internet until you get help

Please beware that Detekt is currently unavailable. While it may have been effective in previous investigations, it does not provide a conclusive guarantee that your computer is not compromised by the spyware it aims to detect. The tool is provided as is, without warranties or guarantees of any kind.

WILL DETEKT BE AVAILABLE AGAIN?

There’s currently no official version of Detekt in development.

It’s important to be aware that scans from any anti-spyware tools do not guarantee a computer is free of spyware. Highly advanced spyware may have the ability to update itself on the fly, thereby avoiding detection. What’s more, some versions of spyware may be able to go undetected by spyware detectors.

Check out EFF’s Surveillance Self Defense website to learn more about protecting yourself against malicious software.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU COULD BE A TARGET FOR SURVEILLANCE FROM GROUPS, SEEK SECURITY ADVICE. SPEAK TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR SOMEONE YOU TRUST TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY PROTECTION IN PLACE.

HOW DID DETEKT WORK?

While it was active, Detekt didn’t work as spyware removal. Instead, it used to detect any privacy risks and inform you of them. It was then your responsibility to consult a professional and have your computer “cleaned up”.

Currently UNAVAILABLE

Detekt is not longer available for download. The final release of the project was on July 28th, 2015 and it has not been updated since. Please do not use third-party releases of Detekt, nor the outdated versions of the tool.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I Find out I’m a victim of SPYWARE?

The majority of online spyware scanner tools won’t be able to remove potential risks from your computer. Even if they claim they do, you shouldn’t rely on them. Instead, it’s best to disconnect your computer from the internet and seek professional help. An expert will be able to clean your computer and get rid of any security risks for good.

It’s important to stop using your computer immediately if you believe it’s been compromised by spyware. It’s possible that cybercriminals who own the malicious program will be able to track your keyboard strokes, and perhaps get a hold of your passwords or even credit card info. They could also assume control of your webcam or laptop camera and spy on you.ivacy risks and inform you of them. It was then your responsibility to consult a professional and have your computer “cleaned up”.

WHEN YOU FIND OUT YOU ARE AT RISK FROM SPYWARE, KEEP YOUR COMPUTER DISCONNECTED FROM THE INTERNET UNTIL YOU CAN GET FURTHER PROFESSIONAL HELP.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS BEHIND DETEKT

Detekt was originally produced as a result of the efforts of Claudio Guarnieri. Neither Claudio nor any of the contributors to the website are associated with the project at this time.

Detekt was an open-source, public product that assists human rights defenders, reporters, investigative journalists, researchers, and other groups. The tool was intended to quickly and easily scan for potential spyware.

No guarantees or warranties are provided in conjunction with Detekt.