Passwords

[AWJ Services]

Kinda odd post and really nothing to do with heavy equipment but I only post in this section so here goes.

I had someone gain access to my Website by logging in with my admin name and password.
I also had a really serious virus get on my computer around the same time.

I recommend using a Password generator and changing your passwords every few months on your really important stuff.
There are also many available password checkers to check your passwords strength.
I always took it for granted and it got me in a pickle.
Luckily I survived with minimal damage, but I am pretty computer savvy which minimized the damage.
I could go into great detail but they easily could have gained access to my personal computer.
I hope they did not gain access to any of my credit or bank accounts and get my card numbers.

Virus protection, adware protection, Firewalls, etc help but there will be a time something will get through no matter what you use.

Another wise piece of advice is to use a piece of removable media(jump drive) to keep important stuff on rather than in folders on your computer.

Happy Holidays!

[jefftb]

Just a quick inquiry.

What environment are you in that they could "have easily gained access to my personal computer" as stated below?

[AWJ Services]

Any connection to the INTERNET.

[AWJ Services]

I will add that I do not surf Illegal sites.
Viruses and Malware can be delivered as a trojan and you will never know you have it unless your protection catches it.
Then it works in the background delivering all of your important info to a remote site.
Then In my case it changed my Windows login so that you cannot gain access to your computer.
Most people would then have to send the computer in to get repaired which will give the hacker time to use your info against you.
Your main Line of defense is your Firewall and some programs require you to list it as an exception in the firewall software which essentially allows an open door to your pc or your network.

[jefftb]

I agree and understand the internet connection along with malware and adware, but it sounded as if you possibly left your laptop in a public place as part of your day to day activities.

Run a "mac" based shop and the chances are reduced.:rolleyes:, not eliminated but greatly reduced.

I have five apple computers and run my construction business off of them. Its not a new thing for me, I've been using Apple for over 15 years.

All of our computers are individually firewalled as part of the operating system and my network runs in the clear since I live in a sparsely populated area.

I also am a member of LifeLock.

Running a Windows based shop means a great deal more diligence is required in the area of network and computer security. Good luck with this one.

Adding this, that my desktop with financial information runs on a piggybacked network that is password protected.

[AWJ Services]

Adding this, that my desktop with financial information runs on a piggybacked network that is password protected.
Good points.
You can never be to careful.
One key is that if you ever get a trojan and type a password in an dthe stars align they can use it against you depending on how the trojan records your personal info.
They can gain access to the passworded computer through the open path in the firewall.
You have taken great steps to prevent this and have done a great job.
I would recomend checking your password strengths just for curiosity.


I agree and understand the internet connection along with malware and adware, but it sounded as if you possibly left your laptop in a public place as part of your day to day activities.


It was actually a desktop that got compromised and my Laptops rarely leave the house.
I know the virus name that got through.
I also have the IP address of the Culprit that accessed my web site unless he was using a hide ip program which is possible.
I have reported it to the hosting company that the IP address was registered to.
We will see.

[YellowDogSVC]

Good points.
You can never be to careful.
One key is that if you ever get a trojan and type a password in an dthe stars align they can use it against you depending on how the trojan records your personal info.
They can gain access to the passworded computer through the open path in the firewall.
You have taken great steps to prevent this and have done a great job.
I would recomend checking your password strengths just for curiosity.





It was actually a desktop that got compromised and my Laptops rarely leave the house.
I know the virus name that got through.
I also have the IP address of the Culprit that accessed my web site unless he was using a hide ip program which is possible.
I have reported it to the hosting company that the IP address was registered to.
We will see.

send that IP to the FBI and FCC. Screw the little worm. He was probably using a proxy. We have problems with our online game servers being compromised by hackers who use a proxy to mask their IP.

[AWJ Services]

send that IP to the FBI and FCC. Screw the little worm. He was probably using a proxy. We have problems with our online game servers being compromised by hackers who use a proxy to mask their IP.

That is a good idea.

What games do you play?

[YellowDogSVC]

Im a member of mercenarygamingonline.com [merc] Play mostly medal of honor: spearhead, Call of Duty 5 World at War, and Star Wars BF2. I have a number of others in the medal of honor and call of duty series. Just not enough time in the day to play all of them. It has brought me and my daughter closer together and like LS, I've met guys and gals all over the US, Canada, and the world through online gaming and teamspeak. We share the frustrations of anyone who has been hacked.. little hackers can make a game annoying if we can't boot them or worst case, they crash a server or hack the websites.

[all ferris]

I just wish I understood what you guys were talking about. Proxy, IP, and all the other words are foreign to me:dizzy:

[Construct'O]

I just wish I understood what you guys were talking about. Proxy, IP, and all the other words are foreign to me:dizzy:

Don't feel bad,i know a few others that post pictures that lay on there side,:)that feels the same way I'm sure!!!!!

I don't think a person can ever learn enough.

My computer is now over 9 years old and probably on it's last leg,so the worry of computer getting virus is far from my thoughts,but personal information is a big concern.

Still i only have dialup internet it is slower then most on here, until i changed several of the settings.I changed it too block all site and the ones that i want to use i have set too allow.Use the firewall that comes with the computer software.

Raised the security levels.Can't get every site i download,but if they won't allow you on there with out colect a sh$$ pot of cookies,then i don't need to be on there in the first place.

Quit using the local address for my emails that you get sent to you when you sign up for your internet service.Changed over too off site email site.The best way to control most of the above problems.Especially using the email address to internet explorer(Windows),is a real no,no!!!!!!!!!!

Tried several anti virus programs that slowed the old computer down even more,trying to scan,check,block unwanted cookies and all the above problems.

Finally changed over to all the above things,deleted my anti-virus program and the old computer speed up to warp speed for a dialup server and life has been better every since.

That has been over 2 years ago and not one spyware,virus,hacker or information stealer since.Just luck ,you say,maybe!!!!! but until it happens life has been good for aleast 2 years.

Plus with a 9 year old computer going on 10 ,if it happens i'm not out much ,and then i can update to wireless internet, cable tv,new computer and the whole ball of wax:weightlifter:.
Good luck:usflag:

[RockSet N' Grade]

Badabing-badaboom!.....Constructo I resemble that remark on the sideways picture. The only reason I did that is so you wouldn't have to get out of your recliner to see it :) . I admit, I am not computor savvy........never will be nor do I want to be, but I am smart enough to have hired one of the best "geeks" in our community to attend to our needs on these machines. He has been invaluable. So, if you are not computor savvy.........at least get someone who is to protect your "stuff".......never happened to me, yet I imagine that identity theft would be a nightmare to go through. Thanks for the reminder.

[AWJ Services]

Constructo that is not a bad way to go about it.

I just wish I understood what you guys were talking about. Proxy, IP, and all the other words are foreign to me

It was all foreign to me as well at one time.
I love computers.I build my own and work on other peoples for fun.It is a hobby for me.

My best advice is to have one computer for business and personal finances and limit it's use on the internet.

Have a separate for Internet and family use.

Computers are dirt cheap these days.
My daughters Laptop I got for her last Birthday was 420 dollars out the door.
Need a good computer find a local computer shop who has pulled some old business computers , do a clean windows , Install maybe upgrade the ram and usually for 150 bucks have a good computer.


I'm a member of mercenarygamingonline.com [merc] Play mostly medal of honor: spearhead, Call of Duty 5 World at War, and Star Wars BF2. I have a number of others in the medal of honor and call of duty series.

I was heavy into years ago but I slacked off the last few years.
I have a few Call of Duty games but my Video Card is a little hold and the Game play is hampered.
I have a Geforce 6800GS overclocked.
I need to upgrade my whole system really.
I will check that site out.
It does get dark early so maybe I need a little free time.

[dozerman21]

My best advice is to have one computer for business and personal finances and limit it's use on the internet.

Have a separate for Internet and family use.

That's a good idea.