Hello everyone,
I am here to introduce myself.
I am new here because my computer and email were recenly hacked. In addition, when I called my internet and email service provider about the incident, they were vague about having some issues as well. I did have a McAffee installed that was provided to me by my internet service provider but somehow it did not protect my laptop or email.
I had realized my computer was hacked when I started getting many, many phone calls from scammers...they even called my family saying I had criminal charges pending against me if I didn't pay for a payday loan I never took. They even had my last 4 of my SS.
In any event, it's been a very long week and a half of hard work of changing all of my passwords, cleaning my email accounts, etc. I took my pc to Geek Squd because I am not tech savvy. They reset my laptop to factory setting and installed Webroot. Since, I've done a lot of research about protecting myself in this evil cyberspace world. I've also found in webroot an easier way to keep all of my passwords in one place which is a blessing because I was so frustrated trying to remember all of the passwords I had quickly changed. Anyway, what I have on my pc now is internet security plus but I want to make sure I am getting the best protection.
I also have an Apple IPhone and IPad that I would like to use with the password management program. I had downloaded the apps from the apple store but when I log into my programs it take me to a mobile site which never happened on my IPAD.
I was wondering if Webroot Complete is a little more robust in this aspect?
I was also told about something about getting a private address network...to help from becoming a victim again.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Userlevel 7
Hi NYDiva
Welcome to the Community Forums.
Thank yo for sharing and glad to see that you have joined the Webroot fraternity.
If Geek Squad installed the version of WSA you have on your laptop now then it will most likely be the Best Buy version which is different from the Webroot versions in that it is the only one. Having said that please see this very recent post by our Best Buy guru David which explains the difference.
They also sell the Webroot versions which come in 3 flavours; AV, ISP & Complete, so we really need to know which one they have installed.
Essentially, if a Geek Squad/Best Buy version then you do not have the option of the Complete version but the Best Buy one they will have installed is very close to it, so you are very well protected, of that you can have no fear. If you have on eof the standard Webroot versions then you have the option to change at some point but as all versions offer the same core protection you only should do so if you need one of the differentiating features that one version offers over the others, etc.
As to the merits of a "private address network" I have to admit that I have not come across that one before and so cannot advise as to the merits of such a thing...perhaps one of the other members could advise? BUt if what yo are referring to is use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) then 'yes', that can help and for that ? should be able to advise as I believe that he uses one. ;)
Regards, Baldrick
Welcome to the Community Forums.
Thank yo for sharing and glad to see that you have joined the Webroot fraternity.
If Geek Squad installed the version of WSA you have on your laptop now then it will most likely be the Best Buy version which is different from the Webroot versions in that it is the only one. Having said that please see this very recent post by our Best Buy guru David which explains the difference.
They also sell the Webroot versions which come in 3 flavours; AV, ISP & Complete, so we really need to know which one they have installed.
Essentially, if a Geek Squad/Best Buy version then you do not have the option of the Complete version but the Best Buy one they will have installed is very close to it, so you are very well protected, of that you can have no fear. If you have on eof the standard Webroot versions then you have the option to change at some point but as all versions offer the same core protection you only should do so if you need one of the differentiating features that one version offers over the others, etc.
As to the merits of a "private address network" I have to admit that I have not come across that one before and so cannot advise as to the merits of such a thing...perhaps one of the other members could advise? BUt if what yo are referring to is use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) then 'yes', that can help and for that ? should be able to advise as I believe that he uses one. ;)
Regards, Baldrick
Userlevel 7
Hello, NYDiva, me again :)
I believe Baldrick has already replied here before me (He has far quicker typing skills than I do...) but I am going to put my own bit here as well. I used to work at Geek Squad, in the 'escalations' area for the Best Buy AV subscriptions. (Webroot as well as the others that Best Buy has their own subscriptions for).
You are protected just fine with the version you have now, the Best Buy IS+ The ONLY advantage in spending an additional amount to purchase a new license of WSA-Complete is that you would have access to use it on 5 devices instead of 3, and you would have the Backup & Sync feature, which can handle up to 25 Gb of data. I think you are fine as is, though you will want to have your data backed up SOMEWHERE. There are other methods of backing up your data, and you might want to consider looking into that.
You cannot upgrade your Best Buy version of IS+ to WSA Complete, you would have to buy an entirely different license as the Best Buy subscriptions is for the IS ONLY. So to get access to the Backup & Sync with Complete, you would have to pay the full purchase price (Unless you find it on a discount).
You cannot get a refund from Best Buy for the WSA-IS you already have, as it was essentially provided to you at no charge. The amount you paid for the repair on the computer would have been for Geek Squad Tech Support, for at least a 1 year service. This is actually a very good deal, and in some cases is cheaper than to pay for a one time set of services. Best Buy ALWAYS provides a free AV subscription with the Tech Support, so there is nothing to refund.
The primary method of support for the Best Buy version is of course throught Geek Squad, but we will always answer anything we can here. You CAN approach Webroot support, and they will generally help whenever they can, but in many cases they will have to escalate the problem over to Best Buy or advise you to call them directly.
You do not HAVE to use it, you CAN purchase the WSA-Complete, but in most cases it would be better to wait until a renewal of the software is due and then consider if you want to change.
I fear I have repeated some of what my good friend Baldrick put forth, but I wanted to give as full an explanation as I can for you and for a few other Community Members who have recently asked me about the differences between the Best Buy version and the standard versions.
I believe Baldrick has already replied here before me (He has far quicker typing skills than I do...) but I am going to put my own bit here as well. I used to work at Geek Squad, in the 'escalations' area for the Best Buy AV subscriptions. (Webroot as well as the others that Best Buy has their own subscriptions for).
You are protected just fine with the version you have now, the Best Buy IS+ The ONLY advantage in spending an additional amount to purchase a new license of WSA-Complete is that you would have access to use it on 5 devices instead of 3, and you would have the Backup & Sync feature, which can handle up to 25 Gb of data. I think you are fine as is, though you will want to have your data backed up SOMEWHERE. There are other methods of backing up your data, and you might want to consider looking into that.
You cannot upgrade your Best Buy version of IS+ to WSA Complete, you would have to buy an entirely different license as the Best Buy subscriptions is for the IS ONLY. So to get access to the Backup & Sync with Complete, you would have to pay the full purchase price (Unless you find it on a discount).
You cannot get a refund from Best Buy for the WSA-IS you already have, as it was essentially provided to you at no charge. The amount you paid for the repair on the computer would have been for Geek Squad Tech Support, for at least a 1 year service. This is actually a very good deal, and in some cases is cheaper than to pay for a one time set of services. Best Buy ALWAYS provides a free AV subscription with the Tech Support, so there is nothing to refund.
The primary method of support for the Best Buy version is of course throught Geek Squad, but we will always answer anything we can here. You CAN approach Webroot support, and they will generally help whenever they can, but in many cases they will have to escalate the problem over to Best Buy or advise you to call them directly.
You do not HAVE to use it, you CAN purchase the WSA-Complete, but in most cases it would be better to wait until a renewal of the software is due and then consider if you want to change.
I fear I have repeated some of what my good friend Baldrick put forth, but I wanted to give as full an explanation as I can for you and for a few other Community Members who have recently asked me about the differences between the Best Buy version and the standard versions.
Userlevel 7
+56
Hello and Welcome to the Webroot Community!
So you have been hacked so what to do?
Simple:
1. Unplug Modem/Router for 20 Minutes and change security passwords within the Modem/Router.
2. Change all passwords for all web sites, emails, shopping sites and banking.
3. Call your ISP and tell them what you have done and if you need help with changing passwords
4. Use Webroot SecureAnywhere and keep all devices up to date: Example Windows: Check for Windows Updates and install them see here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/windows-update
5. Tell the Scam Phone Callers to get lost as it's on the rise: :@
THIS IS A SCAM!! Neither Microsoft nor any other company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem.
If you clicked on any links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any websites please submit a Trouble Ticket ASAP. (Now would be a good idea....)
If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Trouble Ticket.....)
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
Microsoft never issues this type of warning or email or anything of a sort! Please see the following link for Microsofts official word on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
"Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.
Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."
Also see Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx
For more information here iwhat the United States Federal Trade Commission has to say on the subject::
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
"In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money."
This scam is common and has been around for quite a while. Here is a good Webroot Blog article from April 2013 by Threat Researcher Roy Tobin.
http://www.webroot.com/blog/2013/04/30/fake-microsoft-security-scam/
Also add a good free Ad Blocker like the ones suggested below:
For Internet Explorer Ad Block Plus: https://adblockplus.org/
For Firefox uBlock: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/?src=ss or Privacy Badger: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/privacy-badger-firefox/
Google Chrome uBlock: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?hl=en or Privacy Badger: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/privacy-badger/pkehgijcmpdhfbdbbnkijodmdjhbjlgp
Thanks and if you have any further questions feel free to ask!
Daniel 😉
So you have been hacked so what to do?
Simple:
1. Unplug Modem/Router for 20 Minutes and change security passwords within the Modem/Router.
2. Change all passwords for all web sites, emails, shopping sites and banking.
3. Call your ISP and tell them what you have done and if you need help with changing passwords
4. Use Webroot SecureAnywhere and keep all devices up to date: Example Windows: Check for Windows Updates and install them see here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/windows-update
5. Tell the Scam Phone Callers to get lost as it's on the rise: :@
THIS IS A SCAM!! Neither Microsoft nor any other company sends emails, pop ups, or phone calls of any kind advising that you may have a problem.
If you clicked on any links, allowed them to remote into your computer, or went to any websites please submit a Trouble Ticket ASAP. (Now would be a good idea....)
If you would like more information, read on (After submitting that Trouble Ticket.....)
NEWS ARTICLE: Tech Support Scams are on the rise.
Microsoft never issues this type of warning or email or anything of a sort! Please see the following link for Microsofts official word on this:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/avoid-phone-scams.aspx
"Neither Microsoft nor our partners make unsolicited phone calls (also known as cold calls) to charge you for computer security or software fixes.
Cybercriminals often use publicly available phone directories so they might know your name and other personal information when they call you. They might even guess what operating system you're using.
Once they've gained your trust, they might ask for your user name and password or ask you to go to a website to install software that will let them access your computer to fix it. Once you do this, your computer and your personal information is vulnerable."
Also see Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx
For more information here iwhat the United States Federal Trade Commission has to say on the subject::
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams
"In a recent twist, scam artists are using the phone to try to break into your computer. They call, claiming to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.
These scammers take advantage of your reasonable concerns about viruses and other threats. They know that computer users have heard time and again that it’s important to install security software. But the purpose behind their elaborate scheme isn’t to protect your computer; it’s to make money."
This scam is common and has been around for quite a while. Here is a good Webroot Blog article from April 2013 by Threat Researcher Roy Tobin.
http://www.webroot.com/blog/2013/04/30/fake-microsoft-security-scam/
Also add a good free Ad Blocker like the ones suggested below:
For Internet Explorer Ad Block Plus: https://adblockplus.org/
For Firefox uBlock: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/?src=ss or Privacy Badger: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/privacy-badger-firefox/
Google Chrome uBlock: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?hl=en or Privacy Badger: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/privacy-badger/pkehgijcmpdhfbdbbnkijodmdjhbjlgp
Thanks and if you have any further questions feel free to ask!
Daniel 😉
Userlevel 2
Thank you
Userlevel 2
Would you suggest also getting a Private address network to further protect me?
Userlevel 7
+56
As ? said a good VPN (Virtual Private Network) service: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network
I like 2 of them PIA https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ & IPVanish which I currently use https://www.ipvanish.com/ as you can use on all devices PC's, Mac's, iPads & iPhones, Android Pads and Phones but there are many more so do a search.
HTH,
Daniel 😉
I like 2 of them PIA https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ & IPVanish which I currently use https://www.ipvanish.com/ as you can use on all devices PC's, Mac's, iPads & iPhones, Android Pads and Phones but there are many more so do a search.
HTH,
Daniel 😉
Userlevel 2
thanks for the info on the microsoft scammers.
What happened to me, I rec'd an email from what I had thought was from my bank offering me a free credit monitoring membership from Equifax...which I knew my bank was offering. I open the email and it reminded me to sign up for my new service...click here! I foolishly click the link and filled out the form which looked exactly like Equifax website...including the web address but after I looked back the web address couple of extra letters, periods, etc. It didn't take an hour for the phone calls to start.
I did everything as quickly as i could...changing password, etc. But I've learned a valuable lesson...TO NEVER GO INTO A WEBSITE FROM A LINK THAT IS IN EMAIL...TO CLOSE THE EMAIL AND LOG IN DIRECTLY THROUGH THE WEBSITE.
I am so happy I've found out about webroot because McAfee didn't even alert me of a virus on my laptop.
I plan to purchase complete in the morning because I'm just too old to deal with all of this mess. I need of my beauty sleep. :$
What happened to me, I rec'd an email from what I had thought was from my bank offering me a free credit monitoring membership from Equifax...which I knew my bank was offering. I open the email and it reminded me to sign up for my new service...click here! I foolishly click the link and filled out the form which looked exactly like Equifax website...including the web address but after I looked back the web address couple of extra letters, periods, etc. It didn't take an hour for the phone calls to start.
I did everything as quickly as i could...changing password, etc. But I've learned a valuable lesson...TO NEVER GO INTO A WEBSITE FROM A LINK THAT IS IN EMAIL...TO CLOSE THE EMAIL AND LOG IN DIRECTLY THROUGH THE WEBSITE.
I am so happy I've found out about webroot because McAfee didn't even alert me of a virus on my laptop.
I plan to purchase complete in the morning because I'm just too old to deal with all of this mess. I need of my beauty sleep. :$
Userlevel 7
+56
Yes so many get Phished sorry you did, have a look at this Webroot Threat Blog Post: http://www.webroot.com/blog/2015/10/05/phishing-attacks-and-lessons-learned/
Thanks,
Daniel 😉
Thanks,
Daniel 😉
+8
Hi ?
I've read all the posts from our best thinkers and while you are no doubt exhausted, maybe a short nap will do. It really is important to deal with the suggestions rather quickly as I know if it happened to me, I would put on a pot of coffee and follow the instructions. I also know that I don't do good work when I am tired, so you can decide. But I think you already did. I guess tomorrow may be ok.
Thanks for writing to Webroot and Welcome,
Theresa
I've read all the posts from our best thinkers and while you are no doubt exhausted, maybe a short nap will do. It really is important to deal with the suggestions rather quickly as I know if it happened to me, I would put on a pot of coffee and follow the instructions. I also know that I don't do good work when I am tired, so you can decide. But I think you already did. I guess tomorrow may be ok.
Thanks for writing to Webroot and Welcome,
Theresa
+8
Hello again NYDiva,@ wrote:
thanks for the info on the microsoft scammers.
What happened to me, I rec'd an email from what I had thought was from my bank offering me a free credit monitoring membership from Equifax...which I knew my bank was offering. I open the email and it reminded me to sign up for my new service...click here! I foolishly click the link and filled out the form which looked exactly like Equifax website...including the web address but after I looked back the web address couple of extra letters, periods, etc. It didn't take an hour for the phone calls to start.
I did everything as quickly as i could...changing password, etc. But I've learned a valuable lesson...TO NEVER GO INTO A WEBSITE FROM A LINK THAT IS IN EMAIL...TO CLOSE THE EMAIL AND LOG IN DIRECTLY THROUGH THE WEBSITE.
I am so happy I've found out about webroot because McAfee didn't even alert me of a virus on my laptop.
I plan to purchase complete in the morning because I'm just too old to deal with all of this mess. I need of my beauty sleep. :$
I wanted to check in with you to see if all worked itself out for you. Remember there are many here at you disposal!! Please write again if you still need assisstance.
Theresa
how much did Geek Squad charge to reinstall webroot
Userlevel 7
Hi tebert
There is no need to get The Geek Squad to reinstall WSA, unless of course you have a support contract with them and that comes as part of that contract.
You can do this yourself as follows as long as you know whetrher the version you have installed and that you wish to reinstall is the Best Buy/Geek Squad version or the standard Webroot version (they are based on the same core but have slightly different features and therefore have different keycodes, etc.).
If yo uwould like to try then pelase advise back and the instructions can be provided.
Regards, Baldrick
There is no need to get The Geek Squad to reinstall WSA, unless of course you have a support contract with them and that comes as part of that contract.
You can do this yourself as follows as long as you know whetrher the version you have installed and that you wish to reinstall is the Best Buy/Geek Squad version or the standard Webroot version (they are based on the same core but have slightly different features and therefore have different keycodes, etc.).
If yo uwould like to try then pelase advise back and the instructions can be provided.
Regards, Baldrick
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