1. [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Hello again,
In the past i've mentioned how some viruses have affected my computer
and the annoyance they have caused, but now it's gotten more serious.
This morning i was reviewing my phone bill and noticed two 900 numbers
that totaled $75 added to the bill. After calling the phone company,
the rep mentioned that now sometimes an internet site can bill
your telephone line (she didnt explain how). After we hung up i
reviewed my 'personal' virus program log on the same day as the
900 numbers were called, and sure enough...there had been a 'virus'
exe file loaded on the computer at the *EXACT* time of day as the
two calls were made. This means they were successful in getting my
phone line billed simply by loading some exe file to my computer and
running it. It must have caused some other problems too so i had
removed it, but it must have already run at least once.
Anyone have any info on this sort of thing that might help in the
future?
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
2. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
- Posted by CoJaBo <CoJaBo_7th_EUforum_Address at CJBN.net>
Oct 18, 2005
-
Last edited Oct 19, 2005
I think it's called a dialer, some replace your existing dial-up
service with an insanely expensive one or dial numbers at random,
try using anti-adware/anti-spyware software to remove and block them.
Several companies sell anti-adware at retail stores, and there are a few
for free online. None that I've used get all adware, so sometimes you may
need more than one. The safe free ones I've used are:
Microsoft anti-spyware
(http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en)
Spybot-S&D (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/)
Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/)
I think Ad-Aware SE Personal is the only one that does not provide realtime
protection (the Plus Edition does, but it isn't free).
Be sure you get them ONLY from the official site and beware of other
free anti-adware, many are just adware/viruses in disguise.
You should use Firefox or any browser other than IE, IE is the most
suceptible to exploits that can install adware. Also keep everything
(Windows, Java, browsers, anti-virus, anti-spyware, plugins,...) updated.
Al Getz wrote:
>
> Hello again,
>
>
> In the past i've mentioned how some viruses have affected my computer
> and the annoyance they have caused, but now it's gotten more serious.
> This morning i was reviewing my phone bill and noticed two 900 numbers
> that totaled $75 added to the bill. After calling the phone company,
> the rep mentioned that now sometimes an internet site can bill
> your telephone line (she didnt explain how). After we hung up i
> reviewed my 'personal' virus program log on the same day as the
> 900 numbers were called, and sure enough...there had been a 'virus'
> exe file loaded on the computer at the *EXACT* time of day as the
> two calls were made. This means they were successful in getting my
> phone line billed simply by loading some exe file to my computer and
> running it. It must have caused some other problems too so i had
> removed it, but it must have already run at least once.
>
> Anyone have any info on this sort of thing that might help in the
> future?
>
>
> Take care,
> Al
>
> And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
>
> My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
>
3. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
- Posted by Greg Haberek <ghaberek at gmail.com>
Oct 18, 2005
-
Last edited Oct 19, 2005
> Anyone have any info on this sort of thing that might help in the
> future?
I had this happen to me when I was 11 or 12 years old. My parents
nearly killed me. Best bet: stay away from "warez" sites. That's what
got me in hot water. Keep your virus scanner up-to-date, and make sure
it automatically quarantines malicious files.
~Greg
4. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Al, try not to get too worried about the internet security, or you will turn out
like Euman and I: paranoid!
Here is some programs I use on my Windows machine:
LANguard Network Security Scanner
NeWT Security Scanner Pro
SpyBot Search & Destroy
ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall
Microsoft AntiSpyware
Adaware Personal SE
Registry Mechanic
Nortan Anti Virus
McAfee Anti Virus
Spyware Blaster
Spyware Doctor
Spyware Guard
Ace Utilities
Trojan Hunter
Spy Sweeper
MRU-Blaster
...sigh... :P
Regards,
Vincent
----------------------------------------------
___ __________ ___
/__/\ /__________\ |\ _\
\::\'\ //::::::::::\\ |'|::|
\::\'\ //:::_::::_:::\\ |'|::|
\::\'\ //::/ |::| \::\\ |'|::|
\::\'\ //::/ |::| \::\\|'|::|
\::\'\__//::/ |::| \::\|'|::|
\::\','/::/ |::| \::\\|::|
\::\_/::/ |::| \::\|::|
\::,::/ |::| \:::::|
\___/ |__| \____|
.``.
',,'
5. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Greg Haberek wrote:
>
> > Anyone have any info on this sort of thing that might help in the
> > future?
>
> I had this happen to me when I was 11 or 12 years old. My parents
> nearly killed me. Best bet: stay away from "warez" sites. That's what
> got me in hot water. Keep your virus scanner up-to-date, and make sure
> it automatically quarantines malicious files.
>
> ~Greg
>
>
Hi Greg,
Im not sure what site did this, but i might be able to track it
down. Im wondering now if i cant take some legal action.
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
6. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
CoJaBo wrote:
>
> I think it's called a dialer, some replace your existing dial-up
> service with an insanely expensive one or dial numbers at random,
> try using anti-adware/anti-spyware software to remove and block them.
> Several companies sell anti-adware at retail stores, and there are a few
> for free online. None that I've used get all adware, so sometimes you may
> need more than one. The safe free ones I've used are:
> Microsoft anti-spyware (<a
> href="http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en">http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en</a>)
> Spybot-S&D (<a
> href="http://www.safer-networking.org/en/">http://www.safer-networking.org/en/</a>)
> Ad-Aware (<a
> href="http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/">http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/</a>)
> I think Ad-Aware SE Personal is the only one that does not provide realtime
> protection (the Plus Edition does, but it isn't free).
> Be sure you get them ONLY from the official site and beware of other
> free anti-adware, many are just adware/viruses in disguise.
> You should use Firefox or any browser other than IE, IE is the most
> suceptible to exploits that can install adware. Also keep everything
> (Windows, Java, browsers, anti-virus, anti-spyware, plugins,...) updated.
>
> Al Getz wrote:
> >
> > Hello again,
> >
> >
> > In the past i've mentioned how some viruses have affected my computer
> > and the annoyance they have caused, but now it's gotten more serious.
> > This morning i was reviewing my phone bill and noticed two 900 numbers
> > that totaled $75 added to the bill. After calling the phone company,
> > the rep mentioned that now sometimes an internet site can bill
> > your telephone line (she didnt explain how). After we hung up i
> > reviewed my 'personal' virus program log on the same day as the
> > 900 numbers were called, and sure enough...there had been a 'virus'
> > exe file loaded on the computer at the *EXACT* time of day as the
> > two calls were made. This means they were successful in getting my
> > phone line billed simply by loading some exe file to my computer and
> > running it. It must have caused some other problems too so i had
> > removed it, but it must have already run at least once.
> >
> > Anyone have any info on this sort of thing that might help in the
> > future?
Hi there,
Yeah i still dont have one :) Been looking around a little though.
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
7. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Vincent wrote:
>
> Al, try not to get too worried about the internet security, or you will turn
> out like Euman and I: paranoid!
>
> Here is some programs I use on my Windows machine:
>
> LANguard Network Security Scanner
> NeWT Security Scanner Pro
> SpyBot Search & Destroy
> ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall
> Microsoft AntiSpyware
> Adaware Personal SE
> Registry Mechanic
> Nortan Anti Virus
> McAfee Anti Virus
> Spyware Blaster
> Spyware Doctor
> Spyware Guard
> Ace Utilities
> Trojan Hunter
> Spy Sweeper
> MRU-Blaster
>
> ...sigh... :P
>
>
> Regards,
> Vincent
>
> ----------------------------------------------
>
> .``.
> ',,'
>
>
Hi Vincent,
Wow, that's a lot of programs there :) Think you'll find everything?
What i'd like to do is STOP sites from being able to install or at least
execute .exe files. That would solve all my virus/hacking problems.
Im wondering now...since im running XP what if i were to log on as
just a 'user' instead of an admin? Doesnt installing programs require
admin priv's under XP?
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
8. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Al Getz wrote:
>
> Hi Vincent,
>
>
> Wow, that's a lot of programs there :) Think you'll find everything?
>
I manage 
.
> What i'd like to do is STOP sites from being able to install or at least
> execute .exe files. That would solve all my virus/hacking problems.
>
> Im wondering now...since im running XP what if i were to log on as
> just a 'user' instead of an admin? Doesnt installing programs require
> admin priv's under XP?
>
What Microsoft is talking about for Windows Vista is "The Principle of Least
Privilege"; having users log in as User or Limited by default, rather than
administrator in XP and older. Doing various tasks such as installing and
deleting software, etc. will require an admin password or such I believe.
You can read more here if you like:
http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Windows-Vista-Principle-Least-Privilege.html
http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/software/internet/0,39024165,39225391,00.htm
>
> Take care,
> Al
>
> And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
>
> My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
>
Regards,
Vincent
9. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
I hope you aren't planning to pay that bill, are you? :P
10. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
ZNorQ wrote:
>
> I hope you aren't planning to pay that bill, are you? :P
>
That's good advice, Al.
Try very hard to get your phone company to cancel the charges.
Most of those 900 scams are run out of small caribbean countries, and
if Ma Bell refuses to pay them, there's not much they can do about it.
You most likely made several mistakes:
Using IE.
Running Windows as administrator.
Running Windows, period.
And, I'm guessing, running without a firewall. A good firewall would have
asked for permission before letting that exe access your modem.
Irv
11. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
You could try "Process Guard" it will block all .exe launch until you tell
"ok, let it run . . ."
http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/index.php?page=home
It works well.
12. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Hi Irv and ZNorQ,
I already talked to a rep and they took the charges off, but im
looking into the future here too, to prevent it from happening again.
Irv, you think if i dont run as admin it might help?
Im stuck with windows for now...
Take care and thanks for the advice,
Al
irv mullins wrote:
>
> ZNorQ wrote:
> >
> > I hope you aren't planning to pay that bill, are you? :P
> >
>
> That's good advice, Al.
> Try very hard to get your phone company to cancel the charges.
> Most of those 900 scams are run out of small caribbean countries, and
> if Ma Bell refuses to pay them, there's not much they can do about it.
>
> You most likely made several mistakes:
> Using IE.
> Running Windows as administrator.
> Running Windows, period.
> And, I'm guessing, running without a firewall. A good firewall would have
> asked for permission before letting that exe access your modem.
>
> Irv
>
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
13. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
DominiqueB wrote:
>
> You could try "Process Guard" it will block all .exe launch until you tell
> "ok, let it run . . ."
>
> <a
> href="http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/index.php?page=home">http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/index.php?page=home</a>
>
> It works well.
>
Hi Dominique,
How much is it? :)
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
14. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Just click on the Purchase link !
It's $29.95
15. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
Al Getz wrote:
>
> Hi Irv and ZNorQ,
>
> I already talked to a rep and they took the charges off, but im
> looking into the future here too, to prevent it from happening again.
Get a copy of Outpost firewall. There's a free version, and a pay version,
which has a free trial period.
http://www.agnitum.com/
> Irv, you think if i dont run as admin it might help?
> Im stuck with windows for now...
Yes - but, thanks to poor planning by Microsoft and others, there are
some programs which won't run except in admin mode. Maybe you don't
use any of those programs. Be sure to get rid of IE and OE. The alternatives
are safer and better.
Irv
16. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
irv mullins wrote:
>
> Al Getz wrote:
> >
> > Hi Irv and ZNorQ,
> >
> > I already talked to a rep and they took the charges off, but im
> > looking into the future here too, to prevent it from happening again.
>
> Get a copy of Outpost firewall. There's a free version, and a pay version,
> which has a free trial period.
> <a href="http://www.agnitum.com/">http://www.agnitum.com/</a>
>
> > Irv, you think if i dont run as admin it might help?
> > Im stuck with windows for now...
>
> Yes - but, thanks to poor planning by Microsoft and others, there are
> some programs which won't run except in admin mode. Maybe you don't
> use any of those programs. Be sure to get rid of IE and OE. The alternatives
>
> are safer and better.
>
> Irv
>
Hi Irv,
Thanks for the advice, and i didnt know Win wouldnt run some programs
unless logged on as admin but i suspected stuff like that.
I guess i could try and see if it helps.
Take care,
Al
And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
17. Re: [OT] More serious hacking/viruses
- Posted by Jess Harpur <jess.harpur at gmail.com>
Oct 20, 2005
-
Last edited Oct 21, 2005
> DominiqueB wrote:
> >
> > You could try "Process Guard" it will block all .exe launch until you t=
ell
> > "ok, let it run . . ."
> >
> > <a href="http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/index.php?page=ho=
me">http://www.diamondcs.com.au/processguard/index.php?page=home</a>
> >
> > It works well.
> >
>
> Hi Dominique,
>
>
> How much is it? :)
>
>
> Take care,
> Al
>
> And, good luck with your Euphoria programming!
>
> My bumper sticker: "I brake for LED's"
>
>
Al,
Kerio Personal Firewall includes process launch blocking in the free versio=
n.
Jsss
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