Does a windows password "stop hackers"

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  1. Posts : 259
    Windows 7 Panasonic CF F9 (used to have CF F8)
       #1

    Does a windows password "stop hackers"


    Do we keep our passwords on boot or sleep mode to prevent a hacker getting onto a network and then finding your mac address so as to access your machine?

    Is that the only reason we have it?

    (Also for the other reason that if you left your machine unattended or for privacy but my question is more for anti-hackers).

    If the answer to the question is no then i might undo my one....
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  2. Posts : 4,049
    W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
       #2

    Not for that reason


    The password and MAC address are independent and unrelated.

    If your PC is connected to a network (and the network card has power) your MAC address is available for functions like "wake on LAN".

    Your password only "prevents" (reduces the chances of) unauthorized access to your user account.
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  3. Posts : 1,360
    win7 ultimate / virtual box
       #3

    lister said:
    Do we keep our passwords on boot or sleep mode to prevent a hacker getting onto a network and then finding your mac address so as to access your machine?

    Is that the only reason we have it?

    (Also for the other reason that if you left your machine unattended or for privacy but my question is more for anti-hackers).
    no , your windows password is meant to prevent access to your windows account from anyone at your system or who is already on your network

    The main reason for your windows password is to prevent anyone logging on as you when they have access to your keyboard
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  4. Posts : 259
    Windows 7 Panasonic CF F9 (used to have CF F8)
    Thread Starter
       #4

    so for me that only uses this machine i might as well remove it then - do you?
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  5. Posts : 117
    Win 10 Pro
       #5

    I still would keep a password, granted it is to keep the "casual unauthorized user off", are you on a "private" LAN, such as your work or whatever. Then you must have credentials to access the network.
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  6. Posts : 488
    Win 7 Pro x64 x 3, Win 7 Pro x86, Ubuntu 9.04
       #6

    It's required for Terminal Service (remoting into the machine). That's a good enough reason for most of my computers...
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  7. Posts : 1,360
    win7 ultimate / virtual box
       #7

    I don't have a password on my main PC at home as only me and my daughters have access and they have their own systems so no reason to use mine

    My networking device is a NAS which holds all my files needed remotely.

    I only ever use this PC to remote in to other peoples systems
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  8. Posts : 543
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #8

    Its always best to have a password on your PC. What if it was stolen? A vicious person could do alot with the data that could be on there.

    Dave
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  9. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #9

    By default an account without a password cannot login remotely though the network. So even if you didn't have a password on your account, a remote login would be impossible.
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  10. Posts : 186
    Windows Seven, Ubuntu
       #10

    Even if you lose your computer and you have a password people can get all your data with a Linux Live cd. Just boot with linux live cd and copy and paste data to usb. Unless you used bitlocker or truecrypt to encrypt your data.
      My Computer


 
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