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Resolved [Is it possible to place files on a computer without the owner knowing?]

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by LumberGumRubber, 2011/12/03.

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  1. 2011/12/03
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    get pictures dropped onto ones' computer without opening up attachment files or visiting certain sites? Please advise.
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #1
  2. 2011/12/04
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    We probably need more information. Cause for example you can drop pics from a flash drive...
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #2


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  4. 2011/12/04
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I hardly doubt it Steve - it's not the pictures you need - what *I* need is to know if it's actually possible for to have material placed on ones' computer without opening up an attachment file.
    We've always been told not to do just that - open up e-mails with attachment files. We don't. But on this particular computer, there were three pictures plus a couple e-mails that I recognized as previous scams saved in my Directory. My question then remains - how did they get there? I never saved them, and the pictures (that were quickly deleted by the way) were someone I never saw in my life.
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #3
  5. 2011/12/04
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Yes, it is very possible to place files on a computer, unbeknownst to the owner of the computer.

    By default, Windows operating systems have Remote Desktop enabled by default. If the computer Administrator account has no password, as in the majority of installations, one can login remotely to someone else's computer as Administrator and have full control of it.

    Also, many OEM computers with Windows pre-installed create an account called "Owner ". If this account has no password then it can be logged in to remotely.

    To do this, one would need to know the computer's WAN IP address. Criminals that do this will use software that scans hundreds or thousands of IP addresses at a time looking for the open port 3389.

    Note: if the computer connects to the Internet via a router, it is safe from this exploit. If it connects directly to the modem then it is at risk. Most DSL modems are not at risk as they are also a router. Cable modems are the prime target of criminals in this case.

    One can also have files and data placed on the computer by Flash applications at a Website. By default, Flash settings allow this to be possible. To secure Flash, use the Flash settings manager in Control Panel.
     
    TonyT,
    #4
  6. 2011/12/04
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you Tony for that bit of information. I have what I understand to be a Router / Modem combined. I am using two wireless Laptops. I do not have a Administrative Password.

    Would you say I'm safe with this or would you suggest a rather quick change ?
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #5
  7. 2011/12/04
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Even the government(s) computers are not safe from hacking.
     
    SpywareDr,
    #6
  8. 2011/12/04
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    The Government says they are -----------
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #7
  9. 2011/12/04
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    ROFL, Right? :)
     
    SpywareDr,
    #8
  10. 2011/12/04
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    The Pentagon insists they're secure too - have we any reason to doubt them? :-}
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #9
  11. 2011/12/04
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Course not. Government officials would never lie. :)

    Recent example: Use Google to look up Gary McKinnon. He's an Asperger’s sufferer who hacked into Pentagon computers from his North London flat while looking for evidence of an alien invasion. He could be facing up to 70 years in prison.
     
    SpywareDr,
    #10
  12. 2011/12/04
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    They'll think he's just spaced out and consequently get 3 days in a Federal pension, pardon me, I meant a Federal prison.
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #11
  13. 2011/12/04
    rsinfo

    rsinfo SuperGeek Alumni

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    I hope your wifi is password protected & you are using WAP/WAP2 & not WEP.
     
    rsinfo,
    #12
  14. 2011/12/05
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I am using Password protected and WAP-Personal. I've not been hacked yet --- I've had it WEP for a long time and never have run into problems - had a 26 key. If perchance I do see coils of green smoke emitting from the back of this machine, I'll give all my personal info to whoever managed to get that far.
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #13
  15. 2011/12/05
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    A true pro should be able to sneak in, grab whatever they like, and sneak back out unnoticed.
     
    SpywareDr,
    #14
  16. 2011/12/05
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Could that same pro get in on your system - take whatever they wish and do a disappearing act without you noticing it?
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #15
  17. 2011/12/05
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    A true professional should be able to, yes.

    Thing is though, there really isn't anything on value on any of my computers.
     
    SpywareDr,
    #16
  18. 2011/12/05
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I appreciate the word you put --- "should" --- that is a correct word to use. They "should" be able to get into this one also but then again --- maybe not. I've got website addresses and several e-mails they *might* be able to get --- but then again, maybe not.
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #17
  19. 2011/12/06
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Right? And we may not ever know. <-shrug-> :)
     
    SpywareDr,
    #18
  20. 2011/12/06
    LumberGumRubber

    LumberGumRubber Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Well, we may never know till it happens I suppose. I think the help given here has gone as far as it's going to go. Appreciate the feedback.
     
    LumberGumRubber,
    #19
  21. 2011/12/06
    SpywareDr

    SpywareDr SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    No no, it can happen without the user ever knowing.


    I agree; and no problem. :)
     
    SpywareDr,
    #20
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