theoretical risk of malware infection

[BobLewiston]

It's not that I'm really afraid of this happening (at least I don't think I need to be this paranoid yet), but I was just wondering:

With a cable modem, you're always connected to the internet, so if you're logged into Windows, then don't you not even have to open your browser to in effect be visiting your homepage, and thereby be risking malware infection?

[ffmast]

It is true, if your windows is not patched with latest patches.
If your system is up-to-date, then don't worry.
Ah, and if you have firewall - that also helps.

[webdes2010]

If you are really worried about malware, you can buy Anti-Virus Software (Such as AVG) which includes malware protection. This blocks any incoming attempts from this type of intrusion to your system.

Regards,

John.

[brad211987]

theoretically, unless you keep your computer turned off, you are risking something. If you are connected directly through a modem, it can be a high risk connection without anti-virus/software firewall etc.... Many times people connect through a router first, then through the modem, this usually provides a bit of port filtering that can add to security as well. I would recommend a router and antivirus if you are worried, but the most significant factor is still your behavior on your computer.

[primefalcon]

just having a passworded router helps since that alone protects most of your ports, though a software firewall also helps.

Critical thing is to keep your OS (whether your using Windows or Linux) up to date!

[Azzaboi]

Have a good firewall (not including that microsoft one, which is useless) and anti-virus.
Always on connections are good but can become home to malware, spyware and/or hackers. Specially if left online for long times.

You can't get infected but doing nothing (idle connection) but you still could get a hacker attack. However, if you are already infected, your computer might be sending and receiving data without even a web-browser open. A firewall can detect and stop this.

I recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 2010, it's very powerful and protects many areas, viruses, trojans, malicous tools, riskware, scripts, phishing site, adware, hack attempts, registry changes, application control, etc. It is however not a free one, there is penty out there and some free ones.

Don't use 'Antivirus Pro 2009' as it is a fake rogue spyware virus.