For Geeks only

[Rolex]

Ever heard of iYogi? I just got a call from them on my cell phone, calling me by my first name, telling me I had used them for computer assistance in September. Not true. I could hardly understand her Indian accent, but was able to figure out that she said I had authorized them to monitor my computer and they had detected a virus.
I told them I never heard of them and have close to foolproof protection that I maintain myself. I hung up.
Did a little research and see that they charge $169 a year for tech support, but I also found a lot of complaints about scams.
No one would EVER be allowed to monitor my computers from the outside. Is it even possible?

 

[ChiefGeek]

Typical cold calling scam.

 

[Rolex]

Obviously intended for the 99% of the population that is clueless about computers.
I called back on their 877 number to find out where they got the authorization to monitor my computers, but I got tired of waiting after 20 minutes of waiting for a human.

 

[alpinehyperlite]

No one would EVER be allowed to monitor my computers from the outside. Is it even possible?

I dont see how it wouldnt be possible. I can log in and monitor my home pc from my ipad from anywhere in the world using an app that cost me $1.99. (Funny as hell when the g/f is home alone) What is to stop someone from monitoring from another country with people who actually know how to use a computer? Many computers come with remote assistance already, or have programs like logmein that enable outside monitoring/use. I know there is one out there that all they need is your IP Address and they can observe/maneuver your computer as long as it is connected to the net. Thats why i always run peer blocking software. Might not work 100% of the time, but its better than nothing. I dont see why they dont use it for our work laptops.

No one would EVER be given permission to monitor my computers from the outside. Is it even possible?

Fixed it for ya.

 

[ChiefGeek]

Very easy and possible. I do it everyday at work. When I work from home I can remote in and turn on my webcam to see who's messing around near my desk.

 

[alpinehyperlite]

I do the same. I use a VNC program as well as a strictly webcam program that records motion. I use the VNC to retrieve files and what not on the road from iphone/ipad. I use the camera program to monitor my truck and my front door from my iphone/ipad. (can't trust landlords in apartments, some feel like they can walk in anytime)

 

[Rolex]

Yeah, but that's YOU checking in on your own system. Obviously you had to link them or password protect to get in.
My wireless access is also locked to outsiders. This is an apartment complex and people are always looking for a free connection.

 

[ChiefGeek]

there's plenty of legit and non legit ways of getting in. A good firewall goes a long ways. But just as anything, if you don't use it properly you might as well not have it. Keep an eye on what's going on and you'll be fine.

 

[alpinehyperlite]

Yea but if commercially available products like this are out there and someone as computer ignorant as I am has no problems understanding them perfectly, then it can't be that hard for some technologically experienced to get into a "secure" system.

 

[hamz9561]

Anytime you are connected to the internet, you can be monitored. The best thing you can do is to use a complex password and disable remote access on your computer if you are worried about things like this scam. I also hide behind multiple firewalls and run very heavy security programs and like Rolex, I run a well-secured wireless and don't give out my access code.