browser security

I’ve seen this question asked a few times, but don’t recall ever seeing a definite answer. Is it safe to leave your computer with the web browser open, or can hackers use this open browser to gain control over your computer while you’re not looking? Or does the fact that you have always-on broadband mean that they can get to your computer anytime it’s switched on? Is a computer in hibernation the same as a switched-on computer?

 

It does depend on the website, but normally safe yes.

Again depends on website and your security but they could gain control even if you were looking

Yes, always on is always on (BTW ADSL is not always on), whether you have a browser window open or not your computer is connected to the internet and you do need to have security in place.

In hibernation, effectivly the computer is switched off, but be aware of BIOS settings that can wake your computer (eg wake on LAN, wake on ring etc). Those BIOS settings work even when the computer is turned off unless power is completely removed (ie unplugged from mains/battery removed).

Hope this helps.

 

As Steve said, get a 3rd party personal firewall.

Plus, get a router with firewall and keep your computer patched up.

Use browsers like Firefox which have extension to control running of scripts & enable running of scripts only when you must & are sure of the site.