Hi all - I want to remind everyone that all of us are at RISK for having our computer information SNAGGED and DISTRIBUTED without our knowledge! I tried to logon to AOL last night - and all passwords were invalid - it gave me an 800# TO CALL. They told me I had put up a link to a BAD site, and was sending this hot link to other email members on AOL!!!!! I told them I had never done that - they asked me several EXCELLENT SECURITY QUESTIONS, then we discussed what had happened! VERY INTERESTING! I WAS IMPRESSED THAT AOL FOUND THIS B4 ME! She then told me I was a victim of someone who had connected their link to a cookie sent from my machine. This link sent out emails to other email members - who clicked - then their email started attaching this link, then sending to others who clicked .... GEEZ! Interesting - I got 2 emails from an AOL member I did not know that said "QUIT sending this crap"...I disregarded them - thinking error or whatever.They were linked on the worm to me, and were sending out other emails when they responded to me! I told AOL I have DSL and left my PC on always - she told me to download Norton or McAfee Firewall software immediately. I downloaded Norton INTERNET SECURITY 2002 from their site - I bought it at $69.95. It went through my PC automatically - get this - my name, address, and all information like AMEX # could have been SNAGGED! The program fixed everything, put up the firewall, makes sure all my personal stuff WILL NOT BE SENT unless I allow it (flash message).....GEEZ! EVERYONE, snapping data over the internet is fine - BUT - make sure your PC backdoor fights off another PC trying to hack info or attach your email to links that send out others. OF course, the threat is less when your PC BOX itself is turned off. But info can be snagged while you all are reading my message. Check it out - your can trial either brand of software for 30 days to determine if you want it. BUT with DSL, I bought it and installed it NOW. I am now protected against websites trying to touch my IP address! GEEZ! later - Dogman
Dogman, I'm sorry that you experienced this, but I'm glad that you were able to figure out the problem and get the Norton firewall. Scary! Thanks for posting to inform everyone.
a really good and maybe better program to have is zonealarm. www.zonealarm.com. Very easy to use and it's updated a lot. Or buy a dsl/cable modem router they have a built in firewall. and you can share the internet connection also. To check for security holes on your computer goto www.grc.com and use their shieldsup port prober.
Good advice Dogman. Since hooking up my DSL, I bought the Norton Internet Security and within the hour I can see other machines trying to hack my computer. Spend the money now. Best regards, Mirage
hey dog, what kinda machine do ya have? Curious, but somehow I know it's got to be a good one. Just the dogman's style :>)
ITS AN ANCIENT DELL...P3 800... not even 1G! I bought it Mar 2000! (but it was expensive then) 19" Sony FD Monitor Altec Lansing Lucasfilm THX Surround Sound Logitech wireless keyboard / mouse Logitech Quickcam - new Z1P - 100 External Drive CDRW DVD HP Printer/Copeir/Fax/Scanner Kodak DC280 Palm 7 That's my dining room table LOL! cya dogman see ya dogman
Re: ITS AN ANCIENT DELL...P3 800... You guys deserve a lot of CREDIT for helping dogman with his hacked computer. There, we're safe. Doc
Re: ITS AN ANCIENT DELL...P3 800... Hey dogman, I have a similar setup as you do: 17" Monitor Yamaha Speakers with Subwoofer DVD CDRW External ZIP 100 Logitech Wireless Keyboard Wireless Mouse Kodak DX3600 (new arrival) Firewall and Firewire input (need to install) AMEX Smart Card reader (not using anymore, but looks nice) Intel PC Camera Lexmark Z51 UMAX Scanner (Old)
That NORTON comes with AD Blocker - man that works great - I no longer get popups from stupid nextcard (even when I have it already) LOL! no more flashing Household GOTTA GETTA BETTA MC! No more crappy ads! its great! later dogman
That Shields Up is terrific!! Getting Zone Alarm now. The only thing I had open was the file sharing. OOpsie!!
I came back after a great burger and Norton Security just said I am completely protected...I feel like I put a condom on my network adapter! LOL! Aroooo! dogman
Free Zone Alarm has less expolits then $69 Nortons. Next time look for Norton Programs on EBAY. People sell OEM versions for $10-$20 of all Symantec software.
Ever wonder where those NextCard and Household ads came from before they popped up on your screen? Do you visit credit-related web sites often?
