Do viruses have networking capabilities?

Shadoninja · 03-13-2009, 03:24 PM

So we THINK that a virus came from my computer. I am running Kaspersky Internet Security. I have a paypal account and a bank account that have all been logged onto in recent weeks on this computer.

My Dad has a computer on this same network, along with his paypal account and entire financial history on it. He is running Norton 2009

My brother also has his computer on this network with the same kind of information on his computer. He is running Norton 2008

Just recently, a virus got his, AND ONLY his, information and wreaked havoc upon his credit and bought $800 worth of stuff.

About 5 days earlier his computer was recieving IP attack warnings from Norton. I know his norton is slightly older, but if it was catching it then Norton 2009 DEFINITELY would.

Could this virus have originated on my computer, jumped through the network ignoring me and my dad's computer (and anti-virus for that matter) and just targeted his? This seems far fetched as any criminal would take advantage of a situation like this and take my info, and more importantly, my parents information too.

**kinbard** · 03-13-2009, 03:33 PM

Yes viruses can move through a network. Chances are either you two were more protected or the crooks have your information and have not used it yet. If he has a laptop, he could have gotten the virus somewhere else. Always err on the safeside, though.

Shadoninja · 03-13-2009, 03:44 PM

I edited it. He and my dad have basically the same anti virus. He had warnings of crap going on, but my dad's Norton didn't block or fix a thing

**kinbard** · 03-13-2009, 03:47 PM

He either got compromised on your network or another. The safest thing to do is remove him from the network and get him cleaned up. I suggest once he is off the network you and your father do scans on your pcs.

03-13-2009, 03:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Shadoninja Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 23 OS: xp	Do viruses have networking capabilities? So we THINK that a virus came from my computer. I am running Kaspersky Internet Security. I have a paypal account and a bank account that have all been logged onto in recent weeks on this computer. My Dad has a computer on this same network, along with his paypal account and entire financial history on it. He is running Norton 2009 My brother also has his computer on this network with the same kind of information on his computer. He is running Norton 2008 Just recently, a virus got his, AND ONLY his, information and wreaked havoc upon his credit and bought $800 worth of stuff. About 5 days earlier his computer was recieving IP attack warnings from Norton. I know his norton is slightly older, but if it was catching it then Norton 2009 DEFINITELY would. Could this virus have originated on my computer, jumped through the network ignoring me and my dad's computer (and anti-virus for that matter) and just targeted his? This seems far fetched as any criminal would take advantage of a situation like this and take my info, and more importantly, my parents information too. Last edited by Shadoninja; 03-13-2009 at 03:49 PM.

03-13-2009, 03:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
kinbard TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 3,459 OS: Experimenter	Re: Do viruses have networking capabilities? Yes viruses can move through a network. Chances are either you two were more protected or the crooks have your information and have not used it yet. If he has a laptop, he could have gotten the virus somewhere else. Always err on the safeside, though. __________________ Half viking, half pirate, stronger than both XP Repair Malware Removal Vista Repair Downgrade Vista

03-13-2009, 03:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shadoninja Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 23 OS: xp	Re: Do viruses have networking capabilities? I edited it. He and my dad have basically the same anti virus. He had warnings of crap going on, but my dad's Norton didn't block or fix a thing

03-13-2009, 03:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
kinbard TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 3,459 OS: Experimenter	Re: Do viruses have networking capabilities? He either got compromised on your network or another. The safest thing to do is remove him from the network and get him cleaned up. I suggest once he is off the network you and your father do scans on your pcs. __________________ Half viking, half pirate, stronger than both XP Repair Malware Removal Vista Repair Downgrade Vista