If spyware got information of my pc machine name and ip, how easily can they break into the pc with that info?

[dasbpt]

Also how vulnerable for attacks is Windows 7 before installing all the updates? I am little concerned because i need internet connection to download updates but it also puts pc at risk

 

[weberdarren97]

Windows 7 without its respective updates is rather vulnerable. However, as long as you don't put any personal information on the computer before installing the updates, you won't be at risk of losing it.

Also, antivirus programs can be installed before you install the updates. I personally recommend Avast Antivirus Free. In the installer menu, I usually only install Online Protection, File Protection, Mail Protection and the updater. Anything else is unneeded unless you plan to put personal or financial information on the computer.

 

[weberdarren97]

Also, you can always request a new IP address from the server. This changes your IP address and makes it harder for machines to track you via IP, although some of the more advanced ones can track this too.

 

[dasbpt]

So someone could hack through the firewall with ip when i install fresh Windows?

 

[weberdarren97]

Yes, but it's very unlikely. You see, when you first set up a computer, it takes time for hackers to notice it.

Another thing you can do to help protect yourself is to go into Services and make sure that IP Helper is set to Automatic, and start it if it's not already running.

This helps against IP attacks, even if you don't have security updates installed yet.

 

[weberdarren97]

Please understand that getting hacked is about as likely as winning the jackpot in the PA lottery. It's highly unlikely.

The best thing to do is just verify all software before you download it, this way you know what you're installing and can make sure that nothing is going to track you.

 

[dasbpt]

I am assuming i had spyware in my pc earlier, and when i get new pc i wanna make sure i wont get infected by the same criminals when i plug the new pc online.

 

[weberdarren97]

What were the symptoms? It's easy to confuse browser hijacks with spyware, and browser hijacks can usually be taken care of in a timely manner with tools that can be had for free.

 

[dasbpt]

Ccleaner was mysteriously disappeared and i read some malware does that. Then usef ubuntu briefly and scanned with clamAv and it found 50 infected files which sounds crazy. Didnt stick around find out what it was. I didnt know that clamAv was seriously outdated so maybe thats why it got infected that easily.

 

[weberdarren97]

I've never heard of clamAV, I'll do a little research on it.

Okay so it seems that clamAV is pretty good for Linux, but it isn't that great for Windows. I would still recommend Avast for Windows.

 

[dasbpt]

I used ubuntu

 

[k1114]

Unless you're Bill, there isn't a person that's coming to hack you. Most spyware just gets on your pc and works as it's programmed to do. If you did a fresh install then it's gone and it never knew it even existed. Every site you go to knows your ip, but it isn't going to be worth anyone's time to try to personally hack a normal Joe's pc.