A question about hacking.

[Teh Fonz!!1]

We've set up a windows 98 machine that's connected to the internet via a modem. Not permanently.

Now we've been told that this is a potential security risk in our network because it is possible for people to hack that windows 98 machine via the modem, even though it's not connected at the time, just plugged in to the phone line. We've been told that somebody could make our computer dial up without us knowing and give them access to our machine.

Firstly, is this possible? Is it just a matter of installing software whilst it is connected that tells the computer to dial up at a certain time?

Secondly, if it is possible, how would they do it and what can I do to stop them shy of just pulling out the telephone wire.

Any help is really, really appreciated and will make me look good at work.

 

[Testin da Cable]

there are indeed ways it could be done.

• run a good firewall.
• run a good virus scanner
• some mobos have the option to 'wake' ie boot the system when there's activity on a certain IRQ. turn this function OFF
• do the smart thing and watch what you install, and watch it doubly when it runs.

that is all.

 

[Embattle]

Its aka a Trojan....taking its name from the story about the Trojan Horse http://darter.ocps.net/classroom/who/darter1/trhorse.htm

You download/open a malicious program which installs itself and has many functions, one of which is to dial home and give that person control of your computer....hence it being called a Trojan.

Most good software firewalls will help as many will monitor incoming/outgoing packets and which programs have internet access rights, such as Zone Alarm.

Other things include good virus software and the most important is some common sense when accepting and downloading files.

 

[caLLous]

Hi. I know what the Trojan horse was. Thanks.

 

[Happy Go Lucky]

Does Norton Firewall come with built-in Norton virus-scan? As I run Mcafee virus scan should I also get mcafee firewall ? Even though the norton firewall is more expensive and better?

 

[Embattle]

No neither of the individual firewall products from Norton or Mcafee include the virus scanner, that is a sperate product although Norton and Mcafee both do double packs including both products.

 

[Mellow-]

I have the doobul package and it's wunderful

 

[Mr. 47]

you'll need to buy noton each year, I didn't and it kept papping up every 20 mins... v. annoying and no updates..

 

[Happy Go Lucky]

Do you have to buy a new version of firewall every year? you can update the virus software online.