Scariest thing

[yaris-me]

Do you keep information on your computer that can be used for identity thief? Do you go to sites and leave personal information? If the answer is yes, then they can do damage.

[escotric]

Originally Posted by yaris-me

Do you keep information on your computer that can be used for identity thief? Do you go to sites and leave personal information? If the answer is yes, then they can do damage.

Nope. Just my resumes with my address on it. I'll be checking up on this though.

[yarswiss]

While I doubt a hacker actually accessed or took control of your system, you definitely may have had your browser hijacked. Here's what I use, and I've never had any problems:

NoScript. Prevents scripts/codes from running within Firefox.
KeyScrambler. Encrypts everything you type, preventing keyloggers.
Comodo Firewall. It's free and will tell you every time any program accesses the internet and when a program tries to install something.
FoxTor/ Foxproxy. Proxy programs that help you surf anonymously, and more importantly, inaccessibly.
Avast and Spybot S&D were already mentioned and good tools.
Internet Kill-switch. Many modern computers have an internet on/off switch, but if you don't, you can find a ton of programs that will. Dell's WiFi controller should do the job.

Finally, don't open emails or messages from people you aren't expecting something from.

[nemelek]

Originally Posted by yarswiss

Finally, don't open emails or messages from people you aren't expecting something from.

There was a real convincing phishing email sent by someone pretending to be my credit union. It said that the account had been compromised and to log on to verify information. It didn’t have the secure sign on. That was the only tip off that it was a scam. If you get an email from your bank, sign on through your normal methods and not by clicking on a link.