Trojan Attack!

ArchAngel · Jul 6, 2003

An alternative if you use DSL or cable is to use an inexpensive NAT capable router (with rebates the router can end up costing less than buying firewall software - got mine at Circuit City for a net $10).

It lets you use multiple PCs on the same internet connection and also completely stealths your machines from the outside world. Even if you don't disable the Messenger service, you can't get popups. If all you've got is dialup, there are a couple of modem/router combos that used to be available that would work similarly.

Whamo · Jul 6, 2003

Quote from ArchAngel:

An alternative if you use DSL or cable is to use an inexpensive NAT capable router (with rebates the router can end up costing less than buying firewall software - got mine at Circuit City for a net $10).

It lets you use multiple PCs on the same internet connection and also completely stealths your machines from the outside world. Even if you don't disable the Messenger service, you can't get popups. If all you've got is dialup, there are a couple of modem/router combos that used to be available that would work similarly.

Are you talking about Messenger popups or popup type ads that you get from going to specific websites? The reason why I ask is I use NAT w/ a DSL router and get popups from websites all the time.

ArchAngel · Jul 6, 2003

I was referring to the Messenger popup attacks that someone earlier mentioned that can happen if your machine is connected directly to the internet without some kind of stealth. Popup ads are a different animal. To stop that, you can either install a popup/popunder blocker browser add on or selectively allow browser scripting.

Ken_DTU · Jul 6, 2003

password tip:

I found it's good to keep passwords in an encrypted .txt file, eg winzip+ at the weakest, I like using bfacs, eg w/128bit blowfish enryption ... that way I keep an icon on the desktop of a .txt file w/passwords in it, the .txt file is encrypted ...

bfacs free, from http://come.to/hahn

helps protect against 'if/when' a trojan or other program gets in..

also running the pestpatrol.com keylogger program can tell you if anything's running remotely ..

hey anyone try kaspersky antivirus? is it better than norton or no? norton seems great at screening email, that's about it, eg it's not found a single virus in years on my pcs, all the things I've downloaded.. though I think at least one trojan's slipped in, eg to my previous pc..

RAMOUTAR · Jul 6, 2003

Quote from funky:

you don't even need to spend money on that one. google toolbar now offers it on their beta version, http://toolbar.google.com/index-beta.php.

i've also used this for about a year now, and its been great (its free, or at least i think it is, a quick check on their site looks like they are charging optionally now): http://www.sureshotsoftware.com/stopthepop/index.html

Thanks, Funky. I'll check it out.

nkhoi · Jul 6, 2003

Quote from Ken_DTU:

hey anyone try kaspersky antivirus? is it better than norton or no?

it is better at finding current virus but then it became a pest itself when it keeps checking for virus at start up and I can't un-start it.

easyrider · Jul 7, 2003

Is anybody using Bellsouth dsl and windows2000 with a NAT router? I bought a Linksys firewall/router but never could get it to work. Linksys support finally gave up after a couple of sessions.

Whamo · Jul 7, 2003

Quote from easyrider:

Is anybody using Bellsouth dsl and windows2000 with a NAT router? I bought a Linksys firewall/router but never could get it to work. Linksys support finally gave up after a couple of sessions.

I have this configuration working here, PM me with the configuration you tried and the error(s) you received.

dunkin · Jul 8, 2003

http://www.avast.com/ great email protection and scanner

i have used this list for years:

zonealarm
housecall by PCcillin for a quick online scan
purgeIE
spybot
pest patrol

all free

ArchAngel · Jul 8, 2003

Quote from funky:
you don't even need to spend money on that one. google toolbar now offers it on their beta version, http://toolbar.google.com/index-beta.php.

Just ran the Google toolbar's popup blocker through a nine point test and it passed on all accounts.

Although I wish it could block those annoying window resizings that some web designers still think they should do (as if their site was so damn important it merited maximizing your browser). Have sent Google a suggestion - we'll see if they add the feature.