A computer security question for you guys... - LotusTalk

Goose · 08-13-2007, 12:20 PM

Okay - since there are so many computer-literate folks here, I figured this was a good place for my (basic) question:

Lately, I've been getting almost daily "fishing" (is that spelled right?) emails. Never had 'em up until they started a few days ago.

Can a "bad guy" do anything to me if all he he knows is my email address? As long as I just trash the bogus emails, do I have anything to worry about? I'd rather not change my email address because of all the entities I'd have to notify.

Any tips/thoughts/suggestions?

EDIT: I forgot - I've got an Apple computer, in case that makes a difference...

PhlypSide · 08-13-2007, 12:28 PM

Goose:

Phishing only works if you go to their heinous malware-laden sites. I would be somewhat concerned that they have some of your personal information (e.g email) though.

In the future I'd suggest setting up disposable email addresses (e.g. free mail services like Yahoo or google) that you use when registering for forums, email rebates, contests, etc. -- this will keep alot of the phishing/spam out of your real email address.

BTW, make sure you do your updates and that your firewall is turned on (go to System Preferences/Sharing and turn the firewall on).

Good luck!

Amarao · 08-13-2007, 12:33 PM

You should be fine so long as you don't fall for any of the emails. I'm not too familiar with Apples but hopefully you've got some anti-virus software as there are still exploits for that OS. Overall nothing to be too concerned about.

RegGuy · 08-13-2007, 12:38 PM

Actually Phishing emails with html can gather some information about you and your computer. If you can set your email to show a preview of the email with html off, then you can protect against that. While it's not a lot of information, sometimes it is enough to add you to other email lists, etc.

Amarao · 08-13-2007, 12:39 PM

^ Good point

Goose · 08-13-2007, 01:06 PM

Thanks for replies, guys. I tend to get paranoid this stuff.

scottyb · 08-13-2007, 01:31 PM

Goose,

Stop going to the Porn sites and you should be fine.

Goose · 08-13-2007, 02:52 PM

Ouch.

There's porn on the Interweb?

Amarao · 08-13-2007, 02:59 PM

First off it's the "Intarwebz" and secondly surfing porn is the cause of all system problems. lol

PhlypSide · 08-13-2007, 03:05 PM

You guys have invoked the following by exceeding the maximum threshold of number of times you can mention pr0n in a non-pr0n thread....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MvSAoJdMW0

LOLZ!

Amarao · 08-13-2007, 03:15 PM

NOOOOOO.... not again! Guys at work decided it was a good idea to show me that...

MattG · 08-13-2007, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottyb

Goose,

Stop going to the Porn sites and you should be fine.

Why else do you think Apple added 'private browsing' mode to Safari?

scottyb · 08-13-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattG

Why else do you think Apple added 'private browsing' mode to Safari?

Private browsing on OSX only hides the history etc from someone using your computer, it doesn't protect you from the website side though. Common misconception.

08-13-2007, 12:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Goose Bucket of Cold Water Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The cornfields of Ohio Posts: 1,077	A computer security question for you guys... Okay - since there are so many computer-literate folks here, I figured this was a good place for my (basic) question: Lately, I've been getting almost daily "fishing" (is that spelled right?) emails. Never had 'em up until they started a few days ago. Can a "bad guy" do anything to me if all he he knows is my email address? As long as I just trash the bogus emails, do I have anything to worry about? I'd rather not change my email address because of all the entities I'd have to notify. Any tips/thoughts/suggestions? EDIT: I forgot - I've got an Apple computer, in case that makes a difference... __________________ Kevin Magnetic Blue/Hardtop/Starshield - sold 5/17/05

08-13-2007, 01:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
Goose Bucket of Cold Water Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The cornfields of Ohio Posts: 1,077	Thanks for replies, guys. I tend to get paranoid this stuff. __________________ Kevin Magnetic Blue/Hardtop/Starshield - sold 5/17/05

08-13-2007, 02:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Goose Bucket of Cold Water Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The cornfields of Ohio Posts: 1,077	Ouch. There's porn on the Interweb? __________________ Kevin Magnetic Blue/Hardtop/Starshield - sold 5/17/05

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08-13-2007, 12:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Amarao Hoon Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,415	You should be fine so long as you don't fall for any of the emails. I'm not too familiar with Apples but hopefully you've got some anti-virus software as there are still exploits for that OS. Overall nothing to be too concerned about.

08-13-2007, 12:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
RegGuy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,958	Actually Phishing emails with html can gather some information about you and your computer. If you can set your email to show a preview of the email with html off, then you can protect against that. While it's not a lot of information, sometimes it is enough to add you to other email lists, etc.

08-13-2007, 12:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
Amarao Hoon Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,415	^ Good point

08-13-2007, 01:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
scottyb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,677	Goose, Stop going to the Porn sites and you should be fine.

08-13-2007, 02:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Amarao Hoon Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,415	First off it's the "Intarwebz" and secondly surfing porn is the cause of all system problems. lol

08-13-2007, 03:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
Amarao Hoon Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,415	NOOOOOO.... not again! Guys at work decided it was a good idea to show me that...

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