Modem Hijacking?

[Guest]

My computer was dialing long distance numbers. I scrubbed the computer and
re-installed windows XP. Will this solve the problem?

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

In

My computer was dialing long distance numbers. I scrubbed the
computer and re-installed windows XP. Will this solve the problem?

Even a clean reinstall isn't going to do you much good if you don't take
precautions to 'harden' your computer's security such that you don't
re-infest your PC with whatever did this in the first place (and practice
'safe hex' when you use it!). You probably didn't need to do a complete
wipe/reinstall anyway - it's rarely necessary to rid your computer of
malware/viruses, as it's a bit like using an elephant gun on a mouse.

You might start here:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx

A good newsgroup: microsoft.public.security.homeusers.

 

[Kerry Brown]

Yes, until you are infected again. You have to figure out why you were
infected and take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.

 

[Bill Ridgeway]

But it wont solve the problem with your phone bill. I had a Client who
didn't know she had a problem with a rogue dialler until she received a
phone bill for £400. I hope you got this in time.

Regards.

Bill Ridgeway
Computer Solutions

 

[Chuck]

My computer was dialing long distance numbers. I scrubbed the computer and
re-installed windows XP. Will this solve the problem?

You have to improve your security. That's the problem. The other issues are
symptoms.

Get the modem OUT of the computer.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/sharing-your-dialup-internet-service.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/sharing-your-dialup-internet-service.html

And layer your security.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html