[qk232]

At work my main job is to remove viruses, spyware, etc from student computers most of which have multiple malicious files by the time they bring their computer in. My question is that how much is their data at risk of being actually viewed by someone remotely, logged, "taken over", or whatever else is possible through malicious files regarding data? For instance could a trojan, keylogger, downloader, or whatever capture and send someones credit card info, social security #, etc.?

Any input would be appreciated.

[Mak213]

Originally Posted by qk232

My question is that how much is their data at risk of being actually viewed by someone remotely, logged, "taken over", or whatever else is possible through malicious files regarding data?

Depending on the type of file. A keylogger would transmit their log on details to their bank or something like that. Trojans and the other viruses can send whatever info the person, who created it, whatever type of info they requested. Could be Credit Card numbers could be personal info. Could be anything. Could send screenshots of sites they visit. Really anything is possible with these things. The sky is the limit.

For instance could a trojan, keylogger, downloader, or whatever capture and send someones credit card info, social security #, etc.?

Any input would be appreciated.

Trojan - dpeneding on which trojan yes. Most others are jsut there to destroy or turn the PC into a Zombie.
Keylogger - very bad. This is used to get all sorts of info. Bank logins and stuff like that. Very bad.

Like i previously said it can get whatever info is requested by the file. So if the file is on while they log into the bank website it could capture that. Or if they enter a credit card number. It is all fair game.

Best bet is to tell these people to stop using insecure P2P networks. Limewire and the file sharing like that is old and nothign but virus filled now. Either that or tell them to get some better Anti-Virus software on there.