Are you ever really safe?

J

JamesBart

New Member
is it possible to be on the internet now and not get viruses, malware etc? regardless of what you have is there always a possibility? im really sick of always worrying about my computer and all the work that i have on it and im just sick. its been more of a rant than a question. :mad:
 
Theres always a risk, but just protected the computer as best as you can.
I havent had a virus on this computer ever since it was bought 10 months ago
 
i do everything that you's have stated and yet i still have a problem. it seems that its been like this since i moved house and i know have a new isp. i hope that one day you can just use the internet with no fear. ive got a lot of work on my computer and even though its backed up i still dont want to have to lose it and repair my system.
 
this is what i use nowadays and i dont get viruses anymore:

Avast!
Spybot Search & Destroy
SuperANTISpyware
Edwido
ASquared
CCleaner
and last but not least:
nVidia Firewall
 
Best security is layered. Start at the router, and make sure it supports NAT Firewall, and WPA security for wireless. Use smart passwords and passkeys (ie, don't use obvious things like your name), and then set up your last line of defense, the software.

Personally, I no longer run spyware or anti virus software on my machine. I don't use Limewire, and I don't open up email attachments with out viewing them first. Typically you can tell. I use utorrent for my bittorrent downloads so I can view every file in the torrent, and yes it is pretty obvious when malware/adware/trojans are embedded in a torrent file.

I haven't had a virus on my system since 2000 or 2001 since I have only used routers with NAT enabled firewalls. NAT will make it pretty much impossible for outside hosts to connect to your system, making you impervious to most attacks that seek you out. Things like email, phishing, social engineering you may never be 100% safe from because a lot of that falls on the user to be smart enough to avoid it.
 
I never pick up viruses, spyware, malware, or anything of the like. All I do is use FF for my web surfing, and I have AVG Free up to date. No firewall even, but then again, thats where my router comes in :D
 
I don't even have an Anti Virus software package installed on my computer. I just run Windows Defender every now and then, it always turns up green. :)
 
don't leave your computer on when not in use, unless behind a NAT/very good firewall.

if you are in a dorm, you may want to check your network neighborhood, sometimes these are on a NAT for the entire school/dorm, so if you just plug into the net and go, all your college friends can stay up looking through the network looking for the one guy who doesn't know better. install a NAT enabled router (labled Cable/DSL router) as previously stated. they make a single port NAT/DHCP router just for that, if you already have a switch/hub or never plan on hooking up another PC in your room.

a hardware firewall also is best secured if you set it up to not be able to log into the admin screens from outside the network. seems simple but if you get into the admin you can basically get into any computer by forwarding ports, it also allows you to see how many pc's/network devices are pulling IP's, which may ID you for a grab'n'go or involuntary equipment upgrade.

if you have only one PC, disable the file and printer sharing protocal, as well as remote desktop (no matter how many you have, unless you use this feature)
 
yes to add to whats been said,

enable ssh connections for vnc or remote desktop so it transmits through a encrypted tunnel. Things that are unencrypted will be sent in plain text and anyone watching, or any application logging them, will have your user/password.

Use smart passwords on your router as well, because once someone gains access to your router, they pretty much have access to your entire network.
 
tlarkin said:
yes to add to whats been said,

enable ssh connections for vnc or remote desktop so it transmits through a encrypted tunnel. Things that are unencrypted will be sent in plain text and anyone watching, or any application logging them, will have your user/password.

Use smart passwords on your router as well, because once someone gains access to your router, they pretty much have access to your entire network.
Click to expand...

There's always the reset button... :rolleyes:
 
Rambo said:
There's always the reset button... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

That means they need physical access to your router, plus the firmware I run on my router allows me to disable the reset button if I wanted to:rolleyes:

There is not much you can do when people have physical access to your hardware.
 
yah the risk is always there to be infected but you're in safe hands with KASPERSKY ANTIVIRUS and AVIRA ANTIVIR
 
6071842 said:
is it possible to be on the internet now and not get viruses, malware etc? regardless of what you have is there always a possibility? im really sick of always worrying about my computer and all the work that i have on it and im just sick. its been more of a rant than a question. :mad:
Click to expand...

Dont worry, thats like staying in your house because something out side could kill you then falling down your own stairs!:rolleyes:
 
StrangleHold said:
Dont worry, thats like staying in your house because something out side could kill you then falling down your own stairs!:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

agreed...

if you are that concerned about viruses... disconnect your computer from the internet... that's the only way that you are safe from viruses and such...

if you aren't willing to do that (i don't know anybody who will) just learn to live with the possibility...
 
Rambo said:
I don't even have an Anti Virus software package installed on my computer. I just run Windows Defender every now and then, it always turns up green. :)
Click to expand...

same. even though I fileshare, I never get anything (or so I'm told by WD!)

If you don't go on porn sites, download anything from an unknown server and just go on certified sites.. I'm going to go on a limb and say, "you're ok, bud!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top