[macker7963]

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?

[lotuseclat79]

Originally Posted by macker7963

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?

Hi macker7963,

Malware (if it gets into your system - e.g. you click on a socially engineered link to malware from one of your friends, etc.) can appropriate a shadow process from your browser masquerading itself and you wouldn't even notice.

If you have a hardware router, make sure the default admin password is changed so they cannot hack into your system that way. Also, if you are not running a software firewall that checks all outbound traffic for your explicit permission (ZoneAlarm Free is a good example), then you need to either buy such a software firewall or get a free one, i.e. if you are on a Windows system, the firewall only protects against inbound, not outbound traffic.

All it takes for intrusion to happen is that you download a malformed packet and then it is off to the races for the malware to disguise itself until it can steal your identity and money!

I disconnect from my Internet connection, and shutdown my computer every day.

Hibernation may but then again may not protect you against sophisticated malware - best to turn off the computer, and on bootup make sure the security software boots up early.

-- Tom

[lunarlander]

An open browser is a venue for attack, exploiting browser security bugs. But the attacker needs to know the address where you are surfing to, in order to get past your firewall, which enforces stateful packet inspection. Stateful packet inspection means that whereever you surf to, incomming traffic is allowed in only from those sites.

Having an always on broadband means you are exposed to attacks 24/7. Thats why you need to have a firewall.