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Author Topic: Can viruses really steal ID information?  (Read 3527 times)

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jill8beans2

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Can viruses really steal ID information?
« on: November 29, 2008, 10:56:06 PM »
I use my computer for everything to include banking, surfing and gaming.  A friend told me that some viruses and trojans can actually find confidential personal ID information on you computer like SSN or credit card info, and send it to scammer who then can rip you off.  Is this true?

What can be done about it?

I have and anti-virus program called Cyberdefender on my computer, is that enough protection?
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CBMatt

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Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2008, 05:49:30 AM »
While people tend to exaggerate things a bit, it is possible to steal personal information with a virus.  This is typically done by a keylogger that logs all of your keystrokes and sends the information back to the virus creator.  For some information on identity theft and some tips on preventing it, look here:
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/i/identhef.htm

I have and anti-virus program called Cyberdefender on my computer, is that enough protection?
If that's your only program, then no.  It's a start, but you also need a good firewall.  Comodo is my personal favorite, but many also like ZoneAlarm.  If you would like more information on the different firewalls available, feel free to ask and I can get you pointed in the right direction.
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jill8beans2

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Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2008, 09:45:35 PM »
So I currently have the full Cyberdefender and Windows Firewall.  Is this enough?  Should I have a different firewall?
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evilfantasy

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Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2008, 09:51:02 PM »
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CBMatt

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Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?
« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2008, 05:29:21 AM »
So I currently have the full Cyberdefender and Windows Firewall.  Is this enough?  Should I have a different firewall?

Sorry, I meant to explain that you should have one of those instead of Windows Firewall.  The default XP firewall is fine for those who don't transmit any sensitive data, but for most people, it's simply not enough.  A free third-party firewall such as Comodo, ZoneAlarm, or Sunbelt will provide you with much more protection, as they closely track both incoming and outgoing connections.  You should pick one you like (try them all out, but pick only ONE), then disconnect from the internet, disable Windows Firewall, and install the new firewall.  A restart is usually required.  It's a bit daunting at first because you'll be getting lots of allow/block prompts in the beggining (you'd be surprised how many of your programs communicate via the internet).  But after a couple of hours of general use, the prompts will die down significantly.  You'll surely feel more secure being able to see what connections are being made and having the choice to stop them if they seem suspicious.

EDIT: By "full Cyberdefender", you mean the security suite that comes packaged with a firewall?  If that's the case, then you should be okay with what you have (and you will want to disable Windows Firewall).
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gothsleepy1



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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?
    « Reply #5 on: January 04, 2009, 12:24:40 PM »
    I use Cyberdefender anti-virus. I got the free anti-virus scanner first off there website (www.cyberdefender.com) which found a lot of stuff on my system and got rid of the spyware and Trojans. I also had viruses, so I bought the upgrade which got rid of everything on my system. I also found that the paid one came with 24/7 computer help, which I used twice and they were very helpful. So, for me, Cyberdefender works great.

    evilfantasy

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