Sometimes there will be a function in your internet security software to monitor what’s happening on the network, but if you don’t have the option, you need another way to find out. What you need is something to give a picture of what is going on with the internet connection and what software is actually trying to use it.

If you are the adventurous type that downloads and plays around with lots of software especially the dangerous ones such as key generators, patches, cracks or hack tools, then you must be even more careful to check if it’s secretly phoning home. With so many programs periodically going online, it can be difficult to stay totally safe. Malicious software can be programmed to secretly use your internet connection in a similar way and is not visible unless you know how to check. As useful as it is for software developers, it can also be a threat. “Phoning home” is a term used to describe the process of software connecting to its own server probably to send statistical data, to check for software updates or even to verify the validity of the license. A lot of the software installed on a computer these days requires some form of internet access even if the software itself has no need for a web connection during normal usage.

Sysinternals netmon