Compromising a computer

It's surprising how trusting people can be. This is in general a good thing; suspicion isn't a good starting point for sound relationships. But a villain can turn such trust to his advantage. Someone like our David is on the look-out for people with computer problems. He'll offer to come and fix the problem - usually requiring to be picked up and delivered back again as he doesn't own a car - and once in front of your computer will fix the problem, which is usually something simple and we can't all be experts, after all. However, he'll make sure it looks difficult enough to require an hour or so of his time to download a "fix". In this time he will install one of a number of bits of unwelcome software, all of which give him the ability to find out what you're doing on your computer, using your own internet connection to send him the information. You won't know it's happening but everything you type is potentially at risk, especially if you have a fast broadband connection which can send the data without your noticing. There are rogue programs that can open up your entire computer to an unwelcome visitor. So the simple lesson is not to let anyone play with your computer unless you know what they are doing. Unfortunately you can't always tell who to trust until too late, though anyone needing to be collected and delivered should set the alarm bells ringing. One way of spotting this particular kind of fraudster is that he rarely gives out a telephone number and never of the fixed line at his house. Anyone who claims to be permanently resident but doesn't have a land line should be treated with caution. If he does give a number, ring it to see if it's genuine. Better still, take your computer to a shop. There's at least one in any town. Sure, it'll cost you money, but at least your private data will be safe. There are honest people able to help others but I wouldn't use anyone I haven't known for at least a year. The data on your computer is probably your most valuable posession. To a thief, that is. So take it seriously and don't let people you don't know well mess about with it. Back