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  1. #1
    er8dred
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    A friend told me that some viruses and trojans that you get, can actually find confidential personal ID information on you computer like SSN or credit card info, and send it to scammer who then can rip you off?

    Is this true?

    What can be done about it?

    I have and anti-virus program called Cyberdefender on my computer, is that enough protection?


    See More: Can viruses really steal ID information?




  2. #2
    van_helsing_80
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    Yes, Viruses can steal your private information on the computer.

    Cyberdefender is a good software, but not good in compare to products like "ESET NOD32 Smart Security", "Norton 360 V2", "Kaspersky Internet Security", etc. These products are backed up with many researchers which continuously provides you with optimum security through the updates. Its not like, Cyberdefender does not provide updates and latest information, but the point is that in this world, how much and up till when a person will work for free!



  3. #3
    TayneC8
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    Yes this is true.
    The best thing to do is to download sofware. Try Avg.

    Do you want the link?



  4. #4
    b00mersl8
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    I also use Cyberdefender and have had excellent results using it. The scanner found several viruses and threats that other systems that I tried did not find. I would definitely recommend Cyberdefender. The 24/7 computer help is great too!
    camstuf likes this.
    Have Phone - Will Travel!!



  5. #5
    Zarphor92
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    My personal setup of programs are as follows. All are free:

    1) AVG Antivirus - Free Edition

    2) SpyBot Search and Destroy

    3) HijackThis (This one's a little more advanced to use, so be careful)

    With these 3 programs, I have never had any trouble with viruses on my PC at all. I also recommend switching to the FireFox internet browser, as it will provide almost 90% more security than Internet Explorer statistically. I highly advise downloading the following addons for it:

    1) Adblock Plus (will stop 99% of adverts showing - including the dodgy ones!)

    2) WOT - this provides information about a given website and will tell you if the site could be dangerous based on user opinions and ratings.

    With all these on your system, you have a very decent amount of protection which dosn't cost a penny .
    Last edited by Zarphor92; 04-22-2009 at 07:18 AM.
    camstuf likes this.



  6. #6
    neverwinter
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    Definitely known to happen, although I've never encountered a virus till now. Thank god.



  7. #7
    JerryInAustin
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    the most likely way a trojan/virus could steal personal info is by logging all keystrokes typed on the pc, then sending this info over the internet to a central location provided by the trojan/virus distributor. this is very possible.
    -Jerry



  8. #8
    liza123
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zarphor92 View Post
    My personal setup of programs are as follows. All are free:

    1) AVG Antivirus - Free Edition

    2) SpyBot Search and Destroy

    3) HijackThis (This one's a little more advanced to use, so be careful)

    With these 3 programs, I have never had any trouble with viruses on my PC at all. I also recommend switching to the FireFox internet browser, as it will provide almost 90% more security than Internet Explorer statistically. I highly advise downloading the following addons for it:

    1) Adblock Plus (will stop 99% of adverts showing - including the dodgy ones!)

    2) WOT - this provides information about a given website and will tell you if the site could be dangerous based on user opinions and ratings.

    With all these on your system, you have a very decent amount of protection which dosn't cost a penny .
    thanks for your post. i am going to take the above steps.cheers



  9. #9
    er8dred
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    So, just as an update, I have been using Cyberdefender and it has blocked a couple of risky sites throught he MyIdentity Toolbar. I upgraded to the paid version and I have been very happy with it.



  10. #10
    censtantinecel
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    some of the spywares can steal info



  11. #11
    jacob11
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    yes they can.

    If you are serious about wanting to protect your personal information and files, you should invest in quality anti-virus software with proven results. Cyberdefender gets bad reviews from both PC Magazine and users. AVG is a professional anti-virus suite that is very reasonable. I spend approx. $48 per year for three computers. Some people prefer Mcafee or Norton, but I have found that they have too many software compatibility issues.

    Here's some other tips:

    - Always access the Internet from behind a firewall. A firewall adds a security layer between your PC and the Internet, and helps stop hackers from stealing your identity, destroying your files, or using your PC to attack others.

    - Use a PC you know is secure. Hackers can easily retrieve sensitive data that is sent over an unsecured Internet connection. If you need to send sensitive information or make an online transaction, use a PC that you know is secure and remember that there are many flavors of security.

    - Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and web sites, masquerading as legitimate businesses, to lure unsuspecting consumers into revealing private account or login information. Even if you have PC security, you still might visit a malicious web site without knowing it. Legitimate businesses will never ask you to update your personal information via email. Always verify web addresses before submitting your personal information.

    - Secure your wireless network. You are at risk if you access the Internet from a Wi-Fi network. Since your wireless network’s radio waves travel through walls, a hacker with a simple antenna could attack you from miles away to steal your information and use your wireless network for their own communication. Always use additional Wi-Fi security protection.

    - Never install potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) like spyware or adware on your PC. Many free programs that you download via the Internet, while appearing to be harmless, are specifically designed to be malicious and monitor your keystrokes, track your Internet logins, transmit your confidential information, or redirect your browser to fake sites. Some of these programs can also be installed on your machine simply by clicking on an advertisement link on the Internet. With security software, you can stop these programs from installing. Never willingly install programs unless you are familiar with the web site and program and have read the end-user license agreement thoroughly.

    - Do not answer chain email. Even with PC security, some chain email forwarded by your friends might ask for personal information. Do not download files from friends and family unless you know the content of the file and know that it is secure.

    - Monitor your credit reports and be aware. At least once a year, check your credit history. This is one of the best ways to find out if someone is using your personal finance information without your knowledge.

    - Monitor your children’s online activity. Limit your children’s time spent online. Install and use parental controls software that allows you to monitor your children’s online activity as well as prevent them from accessing undesirable web sites and sharing personal information via online communications.

    - Make regular backups of critical data. Keep a copy of important files on removable media such as Zip disks or recordable CD-ROM disks (CD-R or CD-RW disks). Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup disks in case of an emergency.



  12. #12
    dreams
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    Re: Can viruses really steal ID information?

    yeah, your best option is to use a really good antivirus program, preferably bull-guard.



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