Maybe Lame questions but.....

Hi im sorry if these are lame questions but i am new to online security and would really appreciate some help.
1. On a personal computer, would I have to open mail containing a Trojan from the potential Hacker?
2. I use Zone Alarm on my computer (running 98se) how do i know if (a) i have set it right and (b) is it any good?
3. I use AOL 9, it apparently assigns random I.P. numbers every time i sign on, is this so, and if so how would a hacker "find" my computer to hack it?.
4. Could a hacker get into my computer without me doing anything, ie without me opening mail etc?

I use Nortons 2002 Anti Virus updated regulary, Ad aware, spybot and a online Trojan scanner from www.trojanscan.com
From what i have read on this site these questions must be be really Lame to most of you but we all have to start some where :)
Thank you in advance
Mike

1. As far as I know, you actually have to open the attachment before a potential trojan gets executed, however in outlook or something there is/are/were bug(s) that allow malicious content to execute anyway.

2. See here: http://www.testmyspeed.com/firewalls/scan.htm , there are more of this kind of websites

3. Well, it's good you don't have a static IP so when someone with malicious intentions doesn't know your IP forever if he knows it once.

4. Yes, but if your OS is properly patched and your firewall and antivirus are up-to-date and properly configured you shouldn't really worry.

Good Day,

As el-half has said, "Yes, but if your OS is properly patched and your firewall and antivirus are up-to-date and properly configured you shouldn't really worry." And exercising some prudence as to which web sites you visit, you can have an enjoyable time surfing the web without being infected.

This site has outstanding information on all of your questions, might want to do a little search.

Cheers

things like ip senders can be planted on your computer so that everytime you log on your IP address is sent to an email address of the hacker

I never had any problems with zonealarms when i used it, I now use a linux hardware firewall, works well or so I hope! watching logs and other stuff well help to analyse whether your having problems

yep its possible to get inside a computer without anyone realising, have a look at netbios attacks on windows, you dont really notice them if you dont no what your looking for

good luck, PM if you require more assistance

i2c

I had a good post to put here, but I got sidetracked because I finally snapped!

Some idiot has been trying to access my PC with sokets de troire for the last 7 hours. Gotta love script kiddies...they're persistant little buggars! :1pain1:

What...do they think I'm gonna decide to open the port? Like that would happen!

On a side note, I remember a lot of tech calls I did withi AOL support and learned a few important facts.

1. AOL users are behind a built in AOL firewall at a proxy. That is, your log into their servers, and then into one of their proxies near you. This means most incoming activity is blocked by default for you, thankfully by AOL.

2. AOL blocks a lot of outgoing connections as well, and limits true 100% internet access usage. Not a big deal to you, but something I thought I would mention.

3. Because you are using Dial-up your IP will change with each dial-up session. The only way for them to get it each and every time is to A: ask you for it B: have inserted a trojan on your computer which reports it (and you allowed it to install) C: They work for AOL.

So, know that you are quite safe with AOL in terms of security.

As for attachments in emails, the only way for any attachment to be ran is by you manually running it. the attachments are not run automagically (and that old, ancient Outlook bug where it ran attachments by default has been fixed for a few years now). So viewing the email is safe, running the file attachment is up to you.

Hi,

Please remember that you have to be proactive as well as reactive to security?

http://www.analogx.com/ "Script defender" or: http://Keir.net/software.html "Scrip Trap"

These intercept attempt to run popular scripts (malware?) from where they should not

Then: http://www.bitdefender.com/

This is an AV providers site but they do specific protections for popular P2P software as well as free AV for Windows/Linux/DOS

This stuff is all free to private users at least.

Failing that, you could always try Viagra eye drops..............at least they would make your system "look hard" :D

Sorry, I copied that from my reply to another post, but I think the information might be of interest given the general gist of your thread?

Good luck

l

Quote:

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Failing that, you could always try Viagra eye drops..............at least they would make your system "look hard"

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The results of a google search for Viagra eye drops:
http://www.ventdelaitue.org/blagues-...Policeman.html

Thank you all for your helpful replys to my posting. I appreciate your help
cheers
Mike