Geez, can I use some help! A couple of my ex-husbands friends were in my laptop which I just replaced with a new iMac. They changed the password and I couldn’t get rid of them Right now they are trying to get my new password and they are in a positions to do that. I think they may want to clean out my savings account as I bank online. I downloaded Avast and registered, got sent a key but can’t find the place to insert it. I’ve been so upset over this I forgot my Avast password. This is my question - if they have my password you won’t be able to tell that it is a hacker, is that true? Even though they will have a different IP address? I live alone and no one uses my computer but me. I like it that way. How can I deal with this, please? Thanks, lorey
Lost avast password > https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB217
Using the activation code or license file > https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB158
How to create strong passwords > http://www.howtogeek.com/195430/how-to-create-a-strong-password-and-remember-it/
The password that the “hacker” is trying to get. Do you use a password that none can guess and is not used at different sites?
I know it’s possible to get the password. But most times people use so called dictionarys, which mean passwords that have been found and then maybe they use a tool to change different phrases.
If you have a password with big and little letters mixed with numbers and special characters and isn’t less than 8 in length, you should be safe.
@ lorey
Firstly if you believe or know your ex or his friends tampered with your laptop I would report it to the police.
If nothing else it would certainly get their attention.
What operating system is this that they changed the password for ?
What avast version did you get is this for your laptop or your iMac ?
As if it is the laptop, windows and the free version when you register it should be automatically input the registration.
Which password are we talking about ?
Windows logon password, if so and they don’t have direct access to the system then I don’t believe that would help them to connect unless the had some backdoor setup.
What firewall do you have ?
Confirmed. Welcome to the forum and try to read and send PMs (private messages).
=Snake=
All my passwords, all different, consist of 3-, 4-, and 5-letter words, plus caps and numbers. They are always strong. But if you work for the cable company and the phone company, you have access to much info that you can misuse. Especially if you have friends in communications, too. My ex is dead, and I thought they would stop then, but they’re having too much fun on their power trip.
The password I had for my MacBook was changed. I didn’t change it, and couldn’t find a way to do so. It was from 2006, very old and slow. The time machine icon appeared at the top right and I couldn’t get rid of it. I asked how, and was told to remove the disc. I wasn’t using one.
The password is to login when I turn on my computer. If someone else can do that, then what can I do? I want to know if Avast can stop anyone from logging in from another IP. Can that be done?
The police can’t help, they are too clever. Thanks for your replies. I appreciate any help.
The police can't help, they are too clever.Complete BS. Cable/phone companies have logs about what each employee does. They always leave traces behind which the police can use to find them.
But if you work for the cable company and the phone company, you have access to much info that you can misuse.Sure, but they don't have access to your passwords or system, unless you use weak passwords and don't protect your system.
I want to know if Avast can stop anyone from logging in from another IP. Can that be done?Tools can help with security, but it always starts with the user and the user will always be the weakest link.
3-, 4-, and 5-letter words, plus caps and numbersWords are never strong. All words are in dictionaries that anyone can use.
If you suspect they are accessing your system remotely, start with checking for software that can be used for remote access on your system and remove it (or at least disable it and block it in the firewall)
Thanks for all your help. You’ve given me much to check out. Thanks.
Okay, an new development that brings up the same question I asked earlier, but wasn’t addressed. I was offline for awhile but when I logged back in, I didn’t have to. My name and Guest used to appear but I always added the password to my own name so Guest stopped appearing. When I turned on my computer a short while ago, Guest appeared again. I clicked on for the heck of it and guess what? My computer just opened to Desktop. I didn’t even have to log in! So I went to my bank and sent them a message about the closing my online banking. Then I went to Paypal. The man I spoke with about closing my account told me someone had logged in from Monterey Park CA, and he thought it was me. Well, I am in CA but some distance from that city. My Paypal account was linked to my bank.
This was, and still is, my question --if someone logs in with a different IP than mine, does Avast know that that isn’t me? If it doesn’t, what good is it?
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The question implies that you have an own IP linked to you personally. Here in my country IP addresses via DSL change every day. Avast cannot connect me to a fixed address.
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If someone external has access to my computer as you report I would do a new installation of my OS.
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And I would inform the police and check/alter all bank accounts.
Snake, I went to avast.com/en-us/mac and hit the download button. It didn’t say if it was 2016 or2017. I got it downloaded then went back to register. Then they sent me a key and gave me instructions on how to insert it. That’s the part I don’t understand. I don’t know where the Avast Antivirus controls are. Or where the systems tray is.
I’m using an iMac OS Sierra 10.12.1
When I click on the Avast icon in Systems Preferences a box opens that says You Are Protected. So I’m that far.
BTW I closed my Paypal account and changed my banking password. Also, took my savings account offline.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks a bunch.
Hi, forget about the key, you don’t need one for the Mac version.
No wonder I couldn’t find it! LOL Thanks!
You’re welcome.