Something got through.... Help!!

[BrianS]

Guys, I can't find the cause or solution to this problem.

Something got onto my PC across the internet and keeps changing the Dial-Up phone number. My up-to-date Anti-Virus won't pick it up and SpyWare detection software isn't registering anything unusual. What should I be looking for?

Cheers,

Brian

[WhipLash]

From makeitsecure.ie...


Preventing Modem Hi-jacking
Set your Internet security settings to ‘medium’ and your computer will only download files with your permission.
If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, just go to Tools > Internet Options > privacy > Choose Medium security setting.
If you are using an alternative browser ensure that your security settings are sufficiently high to provide this option.

However, if you want a greater degree of protection, software is available that monitors Dial-Up connections to ensure that it doesn’t dial any unapproved numbers.

Useful Tips

Do not download any file unless you are certain of its legitimacy. Carefully read the disclaimers (dialogue boxes), the Terms and Conditions and any warnings before downloading information from the Internet. Unless you fully understand the Terms and Conditions, don’t accept them.
Review your network and dial-up connections and remove any connections that you are not familiar with, and verify the phone numbers that are being called.
If you have multiple users on your computer with separate login IDs, apply restrictions based on the login IDs.
Ensure minors and other users of the computer are aware of the risks of Modem Hi-Jacking.
Be cautious when entering any unknown Web sites or when clicking on popup boxes.
Regularly view your Internet settings and check the telephone number your computer is dialing to connect to the Internet. If you are online and cannot send an email through your email account, immediately check your settings.
Turn up the volume on your modem so you can hear whether your modem has disconnected and is attempting to re-dial.
Remove any connections or icons on your desktop that are unfamiliar.
Turn off your computer and modem when not in use, particularly when using a dial up connection
You should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ask the following questions:





How can I easily check dial up network settings on my computer?
Have they filters available or can they recommend a good filter from an Internet software supplier?
How can I install these filters which block access to certain Web sites?
Ask them if there is monitoring software available which can compile a history of Web sites visited by your computer? Brian, let me know how you get on with the above info. I'm very keen to learn how useful this info is. (I'll send PM to let you why)

[WhipLash]

Here's something else you can try:

Take a look at the varies solutions on download.com - http://www.download.com/3120-20-0.html?qt=hijacking
Or if the link doesn't work, go to www.download.com (http://www.download.com/) and search for 'hijacking'

Also, you don't mention having a firewall installed? If not then go to http://www.zonelabs.com (http://www.zonelabs.com/) and download the free ZoneAlarm.

HTH.

[BrianS]

Grand.... just downloaded ZoneAlarm. I will see how that goes.

The Int'l phone number still appears though. I will try to find out what file is inserting it and post any findings.... if successful!

Cheers,

Brian

[WhipLash]

Hi Brian,

Did you manage to rid yourself of the phone dialer? If so find any good solutions?

BTW, came across this Spyware checker - Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoft.com/). Might come in useful if you don't have this one already.