Starr Pro

In today's world, parents need all the tools that they can get to help ensure their children's safety and security.  Unfortunately, some of these tools can also be used for illegitimate and predatory purposes.  Keyloggers, like Starr Pro, while providing tremendous benefits for caring parents, can also be used to target unsuspecting computer users.

What is Starr Pro?

A keylogging program is meant as a parental monitoring tool or as a way for employers to keep track of what activities are taking place in their workplaces.  Starr Pro, specifically, has the following features:

• Built-in screenshot recorder.
• Text logging, including keystrokes, user names, passwords, access times, etc.
• Ability to search for keywords.
• URL recording.
• IM/Chat Spy, which records both sides of conversations for AOL, ICQ, Microsoft Messenger, and Yahoo Chat.  For other chat options, Starr Pro records outgoing messages.
• Individual logs for each user.
• Encrypted log files emailed to remote monitor.
• Invisible and maintenance-free operation.
• Password-protected setup and un-installation.

As you can see, having access to this type of information could be tremendously useful for those trying to protect their networks, employees, or children.  It is equally easy to see how this technology could be used for predatory purposes.

Starr Pro is also known as ->README.TXT [F-Prot], Application/Starr.A [Panda], and Starr [McAfee].

How is Starr Pro Installed?

Starr Pro must be installed directly onto your computer.  This is in contrast to Trojans and other forms of malware which enter your system covertly.  The program is downloaded from sites like iopus-starr.en.softonic.com and has a simple setup.  You are able to choose settings, like taking screenshots every five minutes (or whatever is your preference), logging websites visited, tracking passwords, and more.

How does Starr Pro end up on your computer?  If you use your parents' computer for "homework," for instance, they may install the program to ensure your safety.  Employers may install it on work machines, and suspicious spouses may put it on their home computers.  These are legitimate and legal uses; however, it is also possible for someone with access to your computer to install the program without your knowledge.

What Risks Does Starr Pro Present?

Why would someone install a keylogger program like Starr Pro on your computer?  Keyloggers can provide a treasure trove of information, including your contact information, user names, credit card and account numbers, and much more.  At its most innocuous, it can track which websites you visit, which videos you watch, and the IMs you send, which violates your privacy.  At its worst, Starr Pro can be used to endanger your financial information and even your personal safety.

Because Starr Pro is designed to be a legitimate application, it does not present much risk to your machine in a technical sense.  It is likely that you will notice that your computer is running more slowly than usual. It is also possible that the program can create security vulnerabilities that may allow malware to enter your system. Keylogger programs are designed to evade standard security programs and to run very stealthily, which is a major reason why it can present such a risk to your information.

To keep yourself safe from keyloggers like Starr Pro, it is recommended that you not use publicly shared computers, such as those at schools, libraries, or your workplace for sensitive applications, such as banking or paying your bills.  If you have your own computer at work or home, make sure that it is password-protected and that you do not leave it open for others to access.  This will help prevent someone installing a keylogger like Starr Pro without your permission.

Removing Starr Pro