There is this guy that I used to talk with over IM, and we'd transfer music, and video files back & forth. I have the updated version of Norton's anti-virus software and all systems are good, but I'm wondering if there is a sneaky way to see all my computer files, from when he transferred files to me? Is there a way someone can hack even if your anti-virus software works 100%? I'm worried please help!!
2007-06-07 08:23:30 · 3 answers · asked by f a s h i o n i s t a 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
what if my anti-virus software comes with it's own firewall, and automatically turns my window's one off? like I always get a pop up about the firewall. but I thought the software replaces the one that's already in the computer or through the phone modem?
2007-06-07 08:35:29 · update #1
I am sure that the majority of people on Yahoo Q&A, will tell you that Nortons is pure junk and a resource hog. They are only good for slick marketing skills, to sell junk.
Yes and no, because the risk is very high when you transfer files back & forth, that you open yourself up to all kinds of trojans, worms, spyware, malware, rogue dialers, keyloggers, etc. etc.
Make sure that you have a really good firewall, like Zone Alarm Home, free for personal use. Will block all rogue packets from entering your pc. (You should be safe with a good two way firewall). No Microsoft firewall, as it is only one way, coming in. Need two way. http://www.zonealarm.com
My antivirus programs checks for hacker tools, along with viruses, spyware, and zero day attacks, (meaning drive by downloads of viruses). http://www.filseclab.com
You can run the free version of, Superantispyware. I use this and other programs. (This one will usually find what all others miss). Download the free version. http://www.superantispyware.com Perform a complete scan of your system. And reboot if anything other then tracking cookies are found.
Minddoctor, France
2007-06-07 08:37:47 · answer #1 · answered by MINDDOCTOR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer to this question is: maybe. It really depends on a few factors that I'll try to list and build a context for you to understand.
If any of those files contained malware (spyware, trojans, etc.) then it is possible. In this context, you should be particularly concerned with your firewall working in tandem with your anti-virus. Your firewall protects entry and exit for data from your system while your anti-virus is usually used to verify the data already on your machine.
In this case, a scan with a reputable anti-virus along with a decent firewall should prove helpful. A decent piece of software is Microsoft's Windows Defender software which you can download from this link: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Also at that location, see the links on the right-hand side of the page under 'About spyware' if you want to get some more information.
2007-06-07 16:23:55 · answer #2 · answered by miamisoftware 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a firewall protects you from hackers and other intruding threats
antivirus helps somewhat but that just gets rid of viruses and spyware/adaware etc
and updating windows http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
fixes secuirity problems
2007-06-07 15:30:54 · answer #3 · answered by Dannyboy622 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋