Leaving your Quicken data file open when not in active use?

Storner

From a hacker perspective (not a snoopy grandchild), how risky is it, if at all, to leave your Quicken data file open when it’s not actively being used, like when you must take an unexpected 20-30 minute phone call or step away for lunch, or to answer the call of nature? Is there some sort of a common rule of thumb to apply here?

The last thing I want is to create an inviting atmosphere for a hacker. On the other hand am I being unnecessarily conservative or paranoid?

Chris_QPW

I don't think there is really much risk other than the "normal".  As in if your machine is hacked then there really isn't any thing that is going to "protect you".

Personally though I almost never leave Quicken running unless I'm in the middle of something like looking at multiple reports, or such.  I can start it up so quickly it just isn't worth leaving running when I'm not really using it.

GeoffG

The scenarios you list are fine, I would not leave it for any extended period of time however. I don't trust leaving it open when using Windows sleep mode (which I use). While it is suppose to be safe to reopen, without issue, I cringe on the one or two instances I've come back to a sleeping PC with Quicken open. 

smayer97

IMO that's completely paranoid... the risk is no worse than having any other product like a browser, email program, even office applications, etc.

There is no interaction between Quicken and the internet except when some action is activated, otherwise it is "dormant" like any other application that is not intentionally keeping an open internet connection.

If your computer is compromised, then everything on your computer is at risk. Nothing unique to Quicken.

Chris_QPW

I don't think there is really much risk other than the "normal".  As in if your machine is hacked then there really isn't any thing that is going to "protect you".

Personally though I almost never leave Quicken running unless I'm in the middle of something like looking at multiple reports, or such.  I can start it up so quickly it just isn't worth leaving running when I'm not really using it.

GeoffG

The scenarios you list are fine, I would not leave it for any extended period of time however. I don't trust leaving it open when using Windows sleep mode (which I use). While it is suppose to be safe to reopen, without issue, I cringe on the one or two instances I've come back to a sleeping PC with Quicken open. 

smayer97

IMO that's completely paranoid... the risk is no worse than having any other product like a browser, email program, even office applications, etc.

There is no interaction between Quicken and the internet except when some action is activated, otherwise it is "dormant" like any other application that is not intentionally keeping an open internet connection.

If your computer is compromised, then everything on your computer is at risk. Nothing unique to Quicken.