Can viruses really steal ID information?

jan8borest · 11-29-2008, 07:11 PM

Ok, so I use my computer for EVERYTHING.

So, when 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, it scared me to death. Is this true?

What can be done about it?

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

Loves2Watch · 11-29-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jan8borest

Ok, so I use my computer for EVERYTHING.

So, when 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, it scared me to death. Is this true? Yes it is!

What can be done about it? Use a good Antivirus and Firewall program.

I have and anti-virus program called Cyberdefender on my computer, is that enough protection? No

I would suggest AVG free antivirus and Comodo free firewall which both work VERY well and as stated earlier are free for life.. They can be downloaded from www.majorgeeks.com. You will need to uninstall your current antivirus program before installing the new one.

LordGamer · 11-30-2008, 07:11 PM

I second AVG.

And as Loves2Watch stated, yes, it's possible. Though, if you are semi-cautious of the sites you visit and what you download, I doubt you'll be the victim of a serious virus. But to be clear, I strongly recommend an anti-virus program like AVG.

jan8borest · 12-01-2008, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the recommendations; I truly appreciate your help. The only question I have is would I not be best off using something from a company that is a public company if possible since a public company would probably have a more legitimate product and they would some accountability.

As far as I can tell Cyberdefener is the only public one of the 'FREE' anti-virus programs, and I think has more features then some of the others i've seen.

Can anyone give me feedback on Cyberdefender? Am I wrong to only want to go with a public company? I know AVg is good, but who holds them accountable?

Loves2Watch · 12-01-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jan8borest

Thanks for the recommendations; I truly appreciate your help. The only question I have is would I not be best off using something from a company that is a public company if possible since a public company would probably have a more legitimate product and they would some accountability.

As far as I can tell Cyberdefener is the only public one of the 'FREE' anti-virus programs, and I think has more features then some of the others i've seen.

Can anyone give me feedback on Cyberdefender? Am I wrong to only want to go with a public company? I know AVg is good, but who holds them accountable?

Cyberdefender is very weak at best. When comparing efectivness of antivirus programs, it doesn't even rate. I would not allow something as critical as my computer such little/inefficient protection.

jan8borest · 12-02-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Cyberdefender is very weak at best. When comparing efectivness of antivirus programs, it doesn't even rate. I would not allow something as critical as my computer such little/inefficient protection.

Is there a site/place that tests the various anti-virus software and compares the various stats and effectiveness? You say Cyberdefender is not very effective and doesn't even rate - which means there must be a source for the rating - so what I am asking is where is it, so I can find the anti-virus software with the best rating.

Thanks!

Loves2Watch · 12-02-2008, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jan8borest

Is there a site/place that tests the various anti-virus software and compares the various stats and effectiveness? You say Cyberdefender is not very effective and doesn't even rate - which means there must be a source for the rating - so what I am asking is where is it, so I can find the anti-virus software with the best rating.

Thanks!

The current 2 best antivirus programs available are NOD32 and Kaspersky.

This first site you must be a member - http://www.cisecurity.org/

This one has some info as well - http://www.virusbtn.com

tipstir · 12-02-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jan8borest

Ok, so I use my computer for EVERYTHING.

So, when 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, it scared me to death. Is this true?

What can be done about it?

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

Backdoor Trojans is what you must defend against and keyloggers. AVG did not make the list of good anti-virus programs. AVAST Home 4.8. Free did.

Sandboxie (optional if you use Returnial)
Returnial Virtual System Personal Edition (freeware)
Regprot (freeware)

mshulman · 12-02-2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jan8borest

Is there a site/place that tests the various anti-virus software and compares the various stats and effectiveness? You say Cyberdefender is not very effective and doesn't even rate - which means there must be a source for the rating - so what I am asking is where is it, so I can find the anti-virus software with the best rating.

Thanks!

In my experience, I have found AVG to not only be reliable, but easy to use an idiot proof. I've installed it for many friends who had numerous viruses and other issues.

I'd also recommend a program such as windows defender. Another program you could look into that I've used recently is Trojan Hunter. Its not a free program, but I did use it to clean up a system and it worked. I can then run resident.

The very best protection though is knowledge. I've gone without anti-virus programs at home on some systems for quite some time. You just need to know what you are browsing, clicking..etc.

mytime · 12-02-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshulman

In my experience, I have found AVG to not only be reliable, but easy to use an idiot proof.

Same here. I've used AVG for quite some time, ever since Norton let me down. Very good program for the price.......FREE!

Loves2Watch · 12-02-2008, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tipstir

Backdoor Trojans is what you must defend against and keyloggers. AVG did not make the list of good anti-virus programs. AVAST Home 4.8. Free did.

According to whom?

mshulman · 12-02-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

According to whom?

To what part of his comment are you referring to?

As far as backdoors and trojans being what needs to be watched out for - that's 100% true. Viruses aren't typically going to pass around information - trojans and backdoors will. Worse, they can give someone complete access to your system.

Loves2Watch · 12-02-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshulman

To what part of his comment are you referring to?

As far as backdoors and trojans being what needs to be watched out for - that's 100% true. Viruses aren't typically going to pass around information - trojans and backdoors will. Worse, they can give someone complete access to your system.

AVG making the list.

mshulman · 12-04-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

AVG making the list.

That makes more sense

AVG is probably the only A/V program to date that I have not found running on an infected system. I've found systems with Mcafee and symantec infected frequently.

Loves2Watch · 12-04-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshulman

That makes more sense

AVG is probably the only A/V program to date that I have not found running on an infected system. I've found systems with Mcafee and symantec infected frequently.

I too have not seen AVG running on an infected system. That tells me a lot, doesn't it you?

11-29-2008, 07:11 PM	#1
jan8borest A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 12	Can viruses really steal ID information? Ok, so I use my computer for EVERYTHING. So, when 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, it scared me to death. Is this true? What can be done about it? I have and anti-virus program called Cyberdefender on my computer, is that enough protection?

11-30-2008, 07:11 PM	#3
LordGamer Lord of Gaming Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,795	I second AVG. And as Loves2Watch stated, yes, it's possible. Though, if you are semi-cautious of the sites you visit and what you download, I doubt you'll be the victim of a serious virus. But to be clear, I strongly recommend an anti-virus program like AVG. __________________ LordGamer Profile - George Carlin, R.I.P. 06.22.08 HD Qualifications... -- Westinghouse 47" 1080p LCD (LVM-47w1) -- Scientific Atlanta HD Receiver & DVR (8300HD), Comcast -- Sony Playstation 3 -- Microsoft Xbox 360

12-01-2008, 09:07 AM	#4
jan8borest A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 12	Thanks Thanks for the recommendations; I truly appreciate your help. The only question I have is would I not be best off using something from a company that is a public company if possible since a public company would probably have a more legitimate product and they would some accountability. As far as I can tell Cyberdefener is the only public one of the 'FREE' anti-virus programs, and I think has more features then some of the others i've seen. Can anyone give me feedback on Cyberdefender? Am I wrong to only want to go with a public company? I know AVg is good, but who holds them accountable?

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