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I've recently began encrypting my personal files using veracrypt. I've got my resume, which, obviously contains personal information (name, address, phone number etc.) A little bit of reading here, would suggest that malware goes for the banking/credit card information, so it can read or capture data in some way.

Question:

If for example, my machine was infected with spyware/malware, can it read the data stored on my computer, i.e documents and pictures and send it to someone who might attempt to steal my information?

Community
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SylviaRosemond
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2 Answers2

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Yes. Take these to facts together:

1) Windows security updates often state that they are fixing a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on your computer.

2) One can write a program that reads all files on your computer and sends them over the Internet. This is not necessarily malware - it could be just a backup program.

Now, consider the above two points together. An attacker can exploit the vulnerability to execute a program that reads all your files and sends them to the attacker.

George
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Yes, sophisticated malware can definitely read files. If you want to research more on the topic, Google "Data Exfiltration" - here is a starting point, which pretty much answers your question.

Halflife
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davidgo
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