Can you get a virus or spyware if your computer isn't on?

Question

Thanks in advance for answering.
I'm not that I.T. savvy, so I leave my question to the pros.

I have a Mac and PC laptop connected to a cable modem/router. I have hi-speed internet. If the computer's aren't on, can they get a virus/spyware? Should I unplug the connections when I am not using them?

Might be a "duh" question.....but again, I'm not that savvy.

note: I do have Norton 07 and Spyware protection.

Answer 1

No

Answer 2

OK,Let me tell you..

Where do we get spyware from?

Let’s make something clear: spyware existed long before the Internet. The growing popularity of the information gateway only profited the malware boom over the recent years. Not only can you become infected from questionable websites, but you can get contaminated without clicking on anything! The more advanced spyware will access through your system while you are just surfing downloading the textual content. You can also get infected with malware when downloading software such as wallpapers and other freeware, leaving you perplexed about what is safe to download and what is not..

Anti-Virus doesnt get rid of spywares,adwares,trojans and pop up.In fact, The best way to get rid of spywares,adwares,trojans and pop up is using a best anti-spyware to protect your computer.You must have 1 or 2 antispyware on your computer to protect your computer.Of course there are many solutions exist, all of them with their own strengths and weaknesses.So which anti-spyware is the most suited for your system? You can find out by reading in-depth reviews and comparisons of TOP 5 anti-spywares... some really great tips and links to Spyware removal programs.

Top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on

http://www.spyware-detectors.net

You can download and scan your computer for free.

Good luck!

Answer 3

No, you don't need to disconnect everything. The most secure computer in the world is one that is off....

However, there are some viruses and spyware that will install themselves on next restart. So, you could get a virus and continue using your system without notice, until the next time you restart your computer, which initiates the install of the virus....

Also, most viruses are delivered through email, which continues to accumulate on your email server, even when your desktop computer is off. When you turn your computer on and go check your email, your computer downloads the infected messages and become infected, giving the illusion that your computer mysteriously got infected while it was off. In reality, you received the infected message while your computer was off, but didn't retrieve it until you started-up and checked email...

You already use antivirus solutions that are effective, just be sure that it's configured to run what is known as a start-up scan, which runs a quick scan of critical files looking for known threats each time you start your computer. This scan will help minimize your chances of either of the above occurring; otherwise, to answer your question, a computer that is off is invulnerable to virus and hack attacks.

-- IT Consultant with 10+ years

Answer 4

Spyware and adware infect the computer only where there is some activity on the computer. 1)someone installs some unsafe software 2)someone goes to an unsafe site 3)someone opens an unsafe email . So the computer has to be on and someone needs to perform those actions.

Answer 5

If the computers are turned off no you can't get a virus, the good thing that you have right now is antivirus and spyware protection so that will help you in that department.

Answer 6

heres the thing firewall companys dont want you to know but make you beleve. YOU CANT GET A VIRUS IF YOU ARNT TOUCHING YOURE COMPUTER. 99% of the time you are the one who downloads it. Usally a file that looks professional installs a trojan. I have not ran a firewall for 4 years. HAVENT GOTTEN A SINGLE VIRUS... its all about browsing smart. So to answer your question no you cant.. but there is no reason to turn off youre computer just because of somthing corprations make up...

Answer 7

You have to connect to the internet and browse. Then only there is a possibility of getting infected.Ensure that your PC has a standard Antivirus installed.

Answer 8

You can't get one while they are off. The thing is once you turn them back on it may spark a virus that was there before you turned it off. In this regards it will seem like you got one while it was off, but it was just hibernating untill the start-up.

Answer 9

no