Post by Chris_Sav on Jul 2, 2012 8:54:40 GMT
I am starting this thread following allegations that this Proboards Forum is making your PC vunerable to malicious attacks.
I am stating that, in my professional opinion, this is a complete load of twaddle. The security of your PC is down to your own settings. You should have antivirus (I use AVG Free) and a firewall to prevent outside access. If you are using a router then that too may have a firewall and will also have address translation so that there is not a direct route from the internet to your PC.
The only way that an outside person can gain access to a PC with sensible security precautions is if you let them!! This can be done by clicking on links in phishing emails or websites. NEVER open any attachment that you are not completely sure of the source of. Clicking on an apparently sensible link from a phishing site/email can actually be answering the question May I have access to wreck your computer. Adjust your security settings not to allow third party cookies to be installed without your permission.
Everybody's presence on this forum is traceable and the IP address of his computer, as is yours. Yes this is made more difficult on Proboards if invisibility mode is used. However EVERYONE is traceable from the moment they connect to the internet. Every email you send has your IP address in it, When you log onto facebook, Twitter or any other social media account you are traceable.
If you have annoyed someone with hacking knowledge, Proboards is just one of dozens of means by which he can trace your network address.
All this reveals is the network address (IP address) of your internet connection, it does not weaken your PC defences. That is down to you.
If you are sensible and follow the advice above you will almost certainly never get a problem. I have been using this forum for over eight years and have never had any form of intrusion or virus. There are hundreds of thousands of Proboards forums!
Personally I do not believe it is necessary, but if the thought of having your network address traced causes sleepless nights then look at using a proxy connection (free or purchaseable) to hide your presence on the internet when you log on. Free proxies are not advised unless you are absolutely confident in the supplier as the supplier could trace passwords etc that you type. Paid services are faster and more secure. A proxy logon to hide your IP address will not protect you if you are incautious and allow an outside source to install a malicious cookie/tracking bug on your PC by the means described above.
My knowledge of PC's is getting out of date now that I am retired, however it is still solid advice based on years in the IT industry
Chris Saville.
(B.Sc. Hons Computer Science)
I am stating that, in my professional opinion, this is a complete load of twaddle. The security of your PC is down to your own settings. You should have antivirus (I use AVG Free) and a firewall to prevent outside access. If you are using a router then that too may have a firewall and will also have address translation so that there is not a direct route from the internet to your PC.
The only way that an outside person can gain access to a PC with sensible security precautions is if you let them!! This can be done by clicking on links in phishing emails or websites. NEVER open any attachment that you are not completely sure of the source of. Clicking on an apparently sensible link from a phishing site/email can actually be answering the question May I have access to wreck your computer. Adjust your security settings not to allow third party cookies to be installed without your permission.
Everybody's presence on this forum is traceable and the IP address of his computer, as is yours. Yes this is made more difficult on Proboards if invisibility mode is used. However EVERYONE is traceable from the moment they connect to the internet. Every email you send has your IP address in it, When you log onto facebook, Twitter or any other social media account you are traceable.
If you have annoyed someone with hacking knowledge, Proboards is just one of dozens of means by which he can trace your network address.
All this reveals is the network address (IP address) of your internet connection, it does not weaken your PC defences. That is down to you.
If you are sensible and follow the advice above you will almost certainly never get a problem. I have been using this forum for over eight years and have never had any form of intrusion or virus. There are hundreds of thousands of Proboards forums!
Personally I do not believe it is necessary, but if the thought of having your network address traced causes sleepless nights then look at using a proxy connection (free or purchaseable) to hide your presence on the internet when you log on. Free proxies are not advised unless you are absolutely confident in the supplier as the supplier could trace passwords etc that you type. Paid services are faster and more secure. A proxy logon to hide your IP address will not protect you if you are incautious and allow an outside source to install a malicious cookie/tracking bug on your PC by the means described above.
My knowledge of PC's is getting out of date now that I am retired, however it is still solid advice based on years in the IT industry
Chris Saville.
(B.Sc. Hons Computer Science)
