Remote Computer Access Worries

[zstopper]

Hi,


Sorry if I'm posting this question in the wrong forum, but since I'm not tech saavy, I wasn't sure where I should post this question.

A friend of mine recently let a tech support staff remote access his computer to fix a problem. The techy had control for about 4 minutes and my friend said he watched everything that was done on the monitor. No suspicious activities were performed that he could see.

However, my friend realized that it may not have been a good idea to allow someone (even a techy) to remotely access his computer and is now worried that 1) his computer files may have been accessed, 2) his computer files may have been uploaded, 3) the techy could have installed software, trojans, or a "back door (not sure what this means but we saw it mentioned online) onto his computer during the time of access.

Could the techy have done any of this without my friend seeing it on the monitor?

Also, what are the chances that the techy could gain access to my friend's computer again without his permission/knowledge and what are the chances that the techy could "watch" what my friend does in the future?

As my friend is worried about this issue, we tried looking up more information on this topic but could not find definitive answers.

If someone can answer the above questions and provide any tips for my friend to be vigilant about, that'd be great.

Thanks in advance.

[SuperDave]

Could the techy have done any of this without my friend seeing it on the monitor?

Something could have been downloaded on the computer.

Also, what are the chances that the techy could gain access to my friend's computer again without his permission/knowledge and what are the chances that the techy could "watch" what my friend does in the future?

You actually have to give permission for someone to have remote control. Just be sure that permission is turned off.

As my friend is worried about this issue, we tried looking up more information on this topic but could not find definitive answers.

Tell him to install a good third-party firewall. That should catch and in-bound or out-bound traffic.

Remember only install ONE firewall

1) Comodo Personal Firewall (Uncheck during installation "Install Comodo SafeSurf..", Make Comodo my default search provider" and "Make Comodo Search my homepage" and uncheck any HopSurf and/or Ask.com options if you choose this one)
2) Online Armor
3) Agnitum Outpost
4) PC Tools Firewall Plus

If you are using the built-in Windows XP firewall, it is not recommended as it does not block outgoing connections. This means that any malware on your computer is free to "phone home" for more instructions. Simply put, Windows XP contains a mediocre firewall. This firewall is NO replacement for a dedicated software solution. Remember to use only one firewall at the same time.