Computer hacking??!!?

Question

I read a shocking story in the metro yesterday which talked about a guy hacking into young girls computers and forced them to do obscene things otherwise he would destroy their computers by giving them a lethal virus. He apparently was able to read all the girls msn messages while they were sending them.

i mean is this really possible, to read your msn messages as you send them and send you viruses on demand?

And also is it possible for someone on your msn list to just hack your computer?
If so is there a way to prevent this?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

with so many computer users, and users that keep very personal information it surprises me to see how many people know little to nothing about computer security.

you wouldnt leave your windows or doors open for someone to just enter your house and rummage through all your credit card reciepts, checking information, or personal letters would you.
yet people are doing it all the time on their computers, and because they arent aware of what risks are out there, situations like this are happening more than you would like to know.

Heck, even Sony put a program on their CD's that would alow Sony or others to access your computer without your knowledge.
Yes Sony, thats why they are being sued.

Is this possible. yes. Remote entry. If you dont have a firewall, then you are at risk of an intruder accessing your computer, and either taking control of it, or simply sit at their chair and follow everywhere you go.

Under the right circumstances, I could lock you out of your own computer -- by gaining administrative rights, and changing your password so that you cant even access your own computer.

Or someone could retireive your passwords if you have them saved on your computer. Keystroke loggers will keep track of every character you type. Once an intruder accesses a computer theres no limit to what that person can do.

So get yourself some antivirus, spyware protection and a firewall -- otherwise you just might find yourself victim to identity theft.

Be smart.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Its shocking at the things that people are capable of doing.

Thanks everyone for answering my quesiton.

Answer 2

Have a secure - up to date firewall.

Answer 3

Yes but it is very difficult because there are viruses that prevent this but they could also damage you computer.

Answer 4

It is possible if someone really wanted to do it. They wouldn't even need to be on your MSN list really. I would imagine he used an exploit within the windows remote access system, where someone can legitimately take control of your PC and watch what you do (however he obviously wasn't doing it legitimately).

The only way to protect yourself is to keep a good firewall up to date (Apparently Windows firewall is good, but I don't trust it) and be cautious of who you're speaking too.

If anything like this happens, best thing you can do is get straight on the phone to the police.

Answer 5

Install and use a firewall.

Install and use ant-virus software.

Install and use adware prevention software.

Never open an attachment to an email

Update you system with all the latest patches

Never download and install software

Never install software from a CD/DVD attached to a magazine

If you follow those rules then you have a reasonable chance of avoiding the problems you mention, and it is possible to do those sort of things if you don't protect your PC.

Source(s):

30+ years building, programming and maintaining computers of all shapes and sizes

Answer 6

Use NOD32, it's the BEST!!!
http://www.eset.com/

Answer 7

I know this is a sad thind but.. YES anything is posibile if u know to work on a comp better u know your mother name :)... try to think at something... if a good hacker can brake an 1.000.000$ online store company secured by 200.000 hardware and software... why he couldnot break your 500$ home pc :) ... and i think nobody will never stop this :(.. but if u are not george w bush.. no problem .. they dont bother do to that to you .. is waste of time THE NR 1 Answer : YES

Answer 8

just dont accept any files from strangers , or people you dont really trust :) !

Answer 9

He was reading the messages because he had already been able to get into their computer via a back door virus.
Which he had proberly sent as an attachment to these girls.
If you have an up to date anti virus as well as a firewall active, this would have not been possible.
I imagine these young girls have been clicking on E- mails,links, and sites without understanding the consequences,
Just to mention ,A Router is an excellent firewall in itself.

Answer 10

there are several virus's that spread through messenger (yahoo!, msn etc) best defense is an up todate anti-virus program (full scans done regulary, i would also run adaware for any spyware

Answer 11

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Answer 12

i read the same story.and the police said it was the most advance soft ware they have seen.. and he could do a lot things to there computer.like opening and shuting there.cd draw.so if he could do that.god kowns what else people can do to your computer.i think he got ten years.good

Answer 13

I can give a few links that offer free virus and spyware removers...!You may be having a virus or spyware installed on your PC. Norton, AVG , Avast are free antivirus software. Ad-aware, Ewido are free spyware removers. You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

Source(s):

http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html