Probably Paranoid

BigAkita

I was hoping someone could help me with my query. I'm probably too paranoid, but identity theft scares me. See it all the time on news.

Recently my gf used my PC over a weekend and for an unexplainable reason turned off my firewall because "it kept popping up". :eek: I found when I ran ad aware keyloggers, spyware, known bad sites and plenty of other nasties. I've cleared these now but is my (and her) information safe.

Just changing our email, banking, Amazon passwords should be enough to fight the keyloggers etc or should I do anything else? Should I call my ISP and get that password changed? I'm a tad worried someone could basically have access to my PC or even our accounts.

Also if say someone had gone in my Amazon account or a betting account, as long as I change password that's fine? They couldn't put a file in the account to get back in?

Regards,

BA

seaweasel

I think you've been reading too many scare stories. Identity theft is a serious issue but the media make a big deal over something that is easily avoided. It sounds like you're on top of it with changing passwords etc. If you're really worried about malware etc, you could considering changing form Windows to another OS, but as long as you scan your machine regularly and use a decent firewall etc, then XP if fine.

superscaper

I agree with seaweasel, it's highly unlikely that you'll have had your identity stolen and it sounds as though you're on top of things. (have you gone through the malware removal guide?)

Also your gf needs a good talking to about computer security

superscaper

BigAkita wrote:

an unexplainable reason turned off my firewall because "it kept popping up". :eek:

It's a bit like saying I'm going to leave my front door open because people keep knocking on it.

Zahc

Agree with all the above, including a chat about security. You might want to look into the settings of your firewall and decrease the amount of incident warnings. It will have a setting saying something along the lines of 'only report dangerous attacks'.

Zahc

computerwoman

have you tried windows washer, its free from webroot,
cw