Hello:

Is it possible for a "hacker" or anyone else for that matter to gain access to a computer if that computer has no access to the internet and is not on a network. It is just a stand alone computer. I have a friend who bought a new Dell a few months ago and states that her payroll program has been changing without her doing it. She states that numbers are changing, peoples hourly rates are changing, among other things. Nobody except for her has access to this computer. Is it possible that the computer has a wireless connection that she is not aware of that it is on and someone is gaining access to the computer that way? Just looking for any help you can give me.

Thanks,

Paul

Curlyben

Simply put it the machine is TOTALLY standalone with ZERO network connections then it cannot be "hacked", but it maybe another person using it.

To make sure this doesn't happen then security is needed, the basics being a password for the main user account.

Hope this helps a little

NeedKarma

If the computer is not hooked up to any network then the only other way for that to happen would be for someone to physically have been at the computer and installed a program or has access to it when no one is around.

Try changing the password to the computer, go to Add/Remove Programs and look for anything odd.

ScottGem

If the PC has a wireless connection, there would be a warning light with a wireless symbol on the tower. You would also see a network icon in the tray area.

Absent a wireless connection and assuming there is no ethernet or modem cable connected. Then someone else is using the system.

Press2Esc

An interesting thought..

Is the computer a laptop? If so, it probably has a built-in wireless network card. Disable it....

If the computer has NEVER been on the internet or network AND no one has account access into the PC, "outsider" hacking is extremely unlikely.

She says no others have account access to the computer, Windows leaves the last login name in the login screen, so her login name is a freebie. Also, if were a betting man, I would guess she probably doesnt use a "strong" password, therefore her PC becomes vulnerable to "insider" hacking.

Assuming we all believe in "dumb criminal" stories, I would start with the employees who (1) got a salary increases and (2) would have either payroll a/o PC knowledge...

Also, she can use the Windows Find utility to easily sort her all "new" (payroll) data by time (stamp). Match the recorded time stamp with a list of employees above who would/could have been present at these time(s). Add this information to your above list of criteria and send out the blood hounds.

Also, the FIND command can also identify any new accounts a/o programs that have been anonymously added in the system.

FInally, if this is a company PC, the company would be good to locate the culprit(s) and remedy BOTH of their employee AND security short-comings.

Good Luck

P2E

fredg

Hi,
You stated "no access to the internet and is not on a network" and is a stand alone computer.
Chances are, someone else is using the computer. You did not say that a password is being used. Create a password so only she will know what it is. Also, be sure to "save" any changes she makes after finishing with her payroll program. Is it possible she isn't saving changes, and keeps pulling up past files? Just a thought. Or, possibly she is pulling up an example supplied with the program? Just some things to ask her.
Also, it's possible the payroll program wasn't installed properly in the new computer.

StuMegu

To help identify whether this is hacking or a program fault I would analyse the changes made to the numbers, are they discreet or just crazy? with the former I would suggest foul play and the latter faulty software/hardware.