So, my Dad is going to purchase a new Windows Device for me (A bit late for XMas). My Dad also owns devices that have been infected be Viruses and other infections. If I connect to the Wi-Fi on my Windows Device, can Viruses and other infections infect my System through Wireless Networking?
Kind Regards,
MSM
Why is no one replying
I think the answer is Yes. If you're connected to the interweb, you're connected. Doesn't make a difference if it's w/ a wire or wireless.
Yes its potentially possible. What antivirus software are you and your Dad using? You need AntiVirus software for any machine that connects to the internet.
I am using "Avast Free Anti-Virus 2016, Malwarebytes Free and Zemana Anti-Keylogger." My Dad is using the same Protection Software as me.
Some viruses are designed to replicate & spread to every machine within the network, be it wired or wireless. I was at a business once & watched as one machine after another started getting pop ups/error codes in succession. Turns out one of the PC's had d/l ed a malicious program & it was now moving from machine to machine.
Not saying that the virus he has will turn out to be one of those. But the main agenda right now should be clearing his OS of any infections to minimize the risk. Have you run any anti-malware programs yet? If not, start with Malwarebytes, The free version will work fine, d/l & do a full system scan & quarantine anything it finds.
Malwarebytes | Free Anti-Malware & Internet Security Software
Hi:MBAM Free does NOT provide real-time protection. It is only a manual, on-demand scanner to remove malware that made it past your AV onto the system.
If you want to add layered, real-time anti-malware protection alongside your AV, you will need the paid, Premium version of MBAM (or another, similar paid, real-time anti-malware application).
If you have multiple PCs to protect, there is a discount for multiple MBAM licenses purchased at the same transaction.
MBAE (Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit) Free DOES provide a different layer of real-time protection for browsers and their plug-ins.
MBAE (Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit) Premium can be configured to shield anyinternet-facing application.
Both versions complement your AV and MBAM (or other anti-malware application).
Thank you,
MM
If your dad got infected, it is most likely, that you will get infected too. Obviously a wrong security setup.
For starters, you should use a secure DNS, like NortonDNS or OpenDNS, which helps to fight viruses.
WiFi can be secured by one thing only, a strong 63-characters long password with special symbols.
Whatever AV you are using, you should add some ondemand like HitmanPro - scans for free (fast).
Ok, I'm thinking of Resetting all of my Devices and during that process, I will reset my Sky Hub with the Reset Button on the back, is that going to solve my problem? Thanks for your replies, going to try out NortonDNS and see how it comes out.
Hi, @MSMPlayz:
In addition to all of the excellentadvice offered here in this thread by the other members, you might want to seek out and study some of the comprehensive resources regarding "best practices" for computer security at a number of reputable computer support sites, as well as at the MS site.
It can all be a bit daunting and confusing.
Sometimes, implementing measures on a "piecemeal" basis can solve one set of problems and create others, especially for basic users.
If problems arise, it can be hard to determine how to resolve them, if multiple changes/strategies are implemented at one time. And "more is not always better".
It might be a good idea to take a holistic approach by researching the rationale and implementation of the various layers to one's security setup.
No one security application or set of security applications can protect 100% of computers 100% of the time from 100% of malware. The first and last line of computer defense is the part between the chair and keyboard. All of which brings me back to first suggestion, about reading up on "best practices".
JMHO,
MM