924Board.org

jpab924 · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 3:51 pm Post subject: my computer modem was hijacked!

Man o man. I open up my phone bill today and see its for $140.00
What the .... I said to myself, and survey the break down. Well I find 4 long distance calls to the uk made on Dec. 24th. I wasn`t even home! The family and I were celebrating the x-mas fesitivites over at my in-laws.

$72.00 in overseas calls! I called the provider (sbci) and talk to the rep. She asked me what the problem was with the bill, and no sooner as I told her I had a few calls made to the UK from my phone, she had a rather quick explanation . My modem was used to make these calls. She put up a block on the number and said the charges would be removed. She went as far to tell me to disconnect the phone line when the computer wasn`t in use....sounds like a hassle to me.

Anyone else ever experience this or know of someone who has? What is the best way to safe-guard myself so that this doesn`t happen again?

I had a few quirks with the computer sometime in mid jan...but the calls were made in Dec. I ran spybot and adaware to fix the problem I had, and have not had any issues since. Matter o fact, just ran them both again tonight.

Smoothie · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:30 pm Post subject:

They had a story on this here on the NY area news a few months ago. I think it's more of virus or trojan horse type problem than spyware, but their solution was the same - unplug the modem when it's not in use.

Searches on modem-jacking and internet-dialers will find info on it and other similar scams.
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

I was watching tv at 11:30pm and there is a knock on my door. Cops wanting to know why I called them on my computer phone. I explained to them I did not call.

A week later the same thing happens. My computer was dialing the Police station.

Happens once or twice every 3 years.

I have had a virus/leeches on my computer for the past 8 days. I cannot get rid of gray popups. Help. I have run Adware, Lavasoft, Spyware, Spyzapper, Norton etc. I still get them.

Help.
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"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

Mikri184 · Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 746 Location: Ferndale, WA

Ok, Guys there is a Program called Zone Alarm, It a a program that will watcha nd block any unwated in trussions on your computers. Norton should and is the best way to rid your self of the viruses, if they don't have the particular one on file to clear your cache, Then you may want to to contact them, And make sure your virus files are up to date. I run zone alarm, a whole slew of norton utilities, Plus I sit behind a network that also works as a firewall. And still I am not inpenetrable. I have been hacked several times in the last few year, anywhere form people using me to hide behind while they do other illegal activity, or getting into my puter and destroying precious files. I have even had people into my paypal and ebay accounts, I had one guy some time ago make copies of all my auction and sell them as his own and he didn't have any parts to seell people. That was a mess to sort out. In the world of computers itreally pays to keep your system safe and updated with security alerts and file updates. There are people out there with nothing better to do but to get into ones computer and cause hazic.
Free zone alarm is availabe at www.zonealarm.com
This is a great program and doesn't take too much bandwidth to use. so ok for you dial up guys. And the basic version is free
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Life is to short to be looking for something?

D Hook · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3158 Location: Omaha, NE

I second the zonealarm program. I use it at home and at work. It'll sort out your junk mail, too, depending on which version you're using.

You can download a free demo of the whole enchilad, which I'd suggest, and at the end of the trial period, it automatically reverts to the plain version that you can download as shareware. So even if you decide not to buy the full-blown version, you can still use the free shareware version because it will already be on your computer.

The shareware version is very good, easy to configure and will warn you anytime your computer tries to access the internet and you can either allow or deny. It is, by far the best utility I've found for keeping people from using your computer when it's unattended. YMMV.

I'm buying a full version for my work computer.

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

thanks
_________________
"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

tj924 · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 7:32 am Post subject:

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

I went to Keyword MSPOP and it stopped. Thanks for your help. I was getting about 20 an hour.

See.....you know more than just 924s.
_________________
"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

jpab924 · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 11:28 am Post subject:

I`ll try downloading zone alarm tonight. I need to update my virus protection too. Its been awhile since I`ve installed a new virus protection program.

Which is the best in your opinions? Norton, symantec, etc?

This is probably a dumb question, but this coming from a computer illiterate....
I remember watching someone a few years back....command prompt netstat -a will show the open ports and whos watching right?

tj924 · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:38 pm Post subject:

tj924 · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2005 1:41 pm Post subject:

Vince Ponz · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3581 Location: Florida

The popups I was getting were the warning type such as "Warning your computer is not protected or you are infected" Gray messenger popup.

Go to Keyword and type MSPOP and follow directions. It stopped. Had them for 10 days and they were driving me crazy.

This is after I uninstalled everything out of the computer twice and ran anti virus protection programsn twice a day. Each time it took almost an hour not counting the various calls to Microsoft, AOL and McAfee, Compac and a friend.

I am writing a book and almost lost 4 chapters.
_________________
"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

tj924 · Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2005 7:29 am Post subject:

Still recommend the MS anti-spyware procedure I discussed above in case you have any other nasties lurking
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TJ
Silver '82 924 NA 5-Speed Manual

Joes924Racer · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2005 5:36 am Post subject:

I have installed a 4 pc network in my house and know what you guys have gone thru 'man' like adware & spyware 'what a drag to get.'
I use norton and spybot to keep things clean & watch where I browse.
My service provider offers pretty good protection also..
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1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
Have u ever driven a turbo.

sleepy · Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 63 Location: UK

U guys should use 'spywareblaster'. It's free & u can download updates. It doesn't clean your system it stops the spyware getting in.

tj I downloaded the Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta & when i try to open it i get "error reading setup initialization file". Any idea why?

-sleepy
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meteor silver 1981 924 lux. -UK