Safely communicating with strangers over the internet

604Striker · 10:54 PM

As far as meeting others on forums, what activities are safe, and what are dangerous (viruses, hacking etc)?

I enjoy signing up to forums and posting, but is it also safe to receive PMs? I've heard that receiving emails from strangers can be dangerous, but what about adding them as an MSN IM contact and IM with them? Is that safe?

irc · 05-03-2008, 10:52 PM

What do you mean by "safe"?

604Striker · 05-03-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irc

What do you mean by "safe"?

Safe as in virus free, or any other unknown danger. I'll edit my original post.

NOP · 05-03-2008, 11:11 PM

Well. Using a safe browser environment.. (plug firefox) prevents stupid things like ActiveX Objects.

ActiveX allows developers to make programs that are embedded in browsers. So hexers write some pretty nasty stuff and when you install the ActiveX control, you're compromised.

The only real risk in communicating with others is when you give them privilege to your machine. This means remote access, downloading/accepting anything from them, direct connections etc. Keep it textual, and your fine.

As far as hacking, that is a very broad range, I'll assume you mean protecting yourself and all.

If someone gets your IP, the next step is scanning. They'll run all sorts of port and service discovery scans against you. This is where your gateway comes into play, if your modem has a built in firewall, awesome, if not, you should get a router with one.

As far as emails, don't use the preview pane in
How to remain safe without having a headache?

1. Use Firefox
2. Router/Gateway(Modem) with firewall
3. Spyware/Virus protection (AVG is free)
4. Windows firewall is fine for an outbound firewall
5. Be smart online, don't download shady stuff, keep your passwords strong, don't give out personal info, keep different passwords, don't link every account you have to one email.

Do that and you'll be fine. That is if you were serious in the first place.

604Striker · 05-03-2008, 11:20 PM

I remember that I downloaded a pic that a guy sent me 2 years ago on MSN. I still stay in contact with him, but I didnt know him that well when he sent me the pic. Is there any thing I can do to see if my CPU is safe?

muerteverde · 05-04-2008, 12:50 AM

Your fears are not justified. You are being way too paranoid. No one can hack you just by sending you a jpg or pure text in a PM or IM chat. Not a chance. If someone bad has you click on a link that takes you to a virus filled site, then you can get attacked, but it doesn't seem likely.

omgitsrick · 05-04-2008, 02:34 AM

Hello, I'm Chris Hansen. Please have a seat.

Rinksterk · 05-04-2008, 02:44 AM

I'm looking through your porn collection as we speak.

pittelp · 05-04-2008, 03:01 AM

It depends what you call safe...

The government can order any company to give up your information to fight the global war on terrorism, etc...

Your better off limiting what you do or say online.

KuRuPt1 · 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muerteverde

Your fears are not justified. You are being way too paranoid. No one can hack you just by sending you a jpg or pure text in a PM or IM chat. Not a chance. If someone bad has you click on a link that takes you to a virus filled site, then you can get attacked, but it doesn't seem likely.

This.

Have antivirus, spyware, and firewall software installed. Apart from that it's pretty much common sense. Don't open/install suspicious files (especially if you don't know what they are) or navigate to shady websites. The sheer act of just communicating on the internet is no cause for worry.