How do I explain to my dad that leaving the computer logged on won't let hackers get into our system?

Question

I don't know anything about it, but it seems like it wouldn't matter.

Answer 1

One of the ways Hackers can gain access to your computer is by "Brute Force" attacks. This is named after the Brute Force password cracking program. This is where the program checks your computer for common words used as passwords. These common words such as peoples names, pets names, words picked from a Dictionary, favorite movie stars, music groups name, lead singer names and many others are what most people use as passwords.

A good "Gaming" computer can use a "Brute Force" program and crack a common password in seconds. To help avoid detection the best time is when most people are asleep and have left their computer turned on.

The mistaken belief that leaving your computer turned on so it won't wear out faster, or so you won't have to wait the couple of minutes for it to start up and load is the greatest help you can give a Hacker.

By leaving your computer on it give the Hackers a long period of time to do a Brute Force attack without it being noticed and possibly stopped.

If you use DSL and leave your Modem/Router turned on, but turn off the computer, you are still at risk. A modem/router remaining on can all knowledgable hacker to turn on the computer.

You need to learn how devestating Identity theft can be to your parents and the entire family. This is not something that can be fixed by a couple of phone calls. It can cost hundreds of thousand of dollars and years to time for your parents to gain control of their Identity and finances again.

On top of Identity theft, you put your and your families personal safety a risk. Are you willing to lose your life or one of your family members life so you won't have to wait for the computer to start and load? Hmmmm? Hackers can get your house address from your computer.

No, the smart thing is to turn off the computer so there is no power getting to it. Just turning it and the modem/router off with the power buttons will not turn it off completely. This leave these in a partially powered state for faster start and load. This can be used by Hackers also. Stopping the power from the outlet is the only way to completely turn off the computer.

Answer 2

Dell compute res is able to do remote help. There are ways that Someone can get onto your system if you leave it on. Some one found my IP address and screwed with my computer. If you don't want hackers then unplug from the net, Physically.

Answer 3

Depending on your father's age, you may never be able to explain that one. Your father is probably like mine and not very technologically advanced. If this is the case then you are more than likely out of luck trying to convince him that he is mistaken. It doens't matter but older people are very suspicious about the internet and what it lets have access to your information. Good luck!

Answer 4

Leaving your computer logged on all the time is NOT a good idea.

And, most ISPs will kick you off after so many minutes of inactivity.

Answer 5

Tell him that when you log off all the networks shut down. All conction are off. I gurantee that you cant get a virus when its logged off. I hope this helped.



Andrew

Answer 6

it only matters if ur surfing the web downloading info or songs or movies or w/e otherwise nothing can happen 2 ur comp cause only downloaded files r the reason hackers get in

Answer 7

let this page scan your ports for security, takes a few minutes but will inform you of your security or lack of.
http://probe.hackerwatch.org/probe/probe.asp

Answer 8

If you're still logged on, then of course your anti-virus/anti-spyware security program is still running too!

Answer 9

you don't, because it will allow them to hack in if they can figure out your password.

Answer 10

"Father Knows Best" - He is right!--Sorry --