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An ex-friend of mine has somehow gained acsess to my IP address and is threatening that he is going to attack my system. And yes :mad: he knows how his brother is curently in MIT!!! How can i prevent him from doing something bad to my computer, pre-emtivly(bad spelling) i might add.
:mad: :eek:
Do i need any hacking toolz to do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IP address is by default insecure. Anyone can get that. The question is: Is your Operating System secure? Have you got a firewall? Have you got anti-virus software installed, up-to-date dat files and running regularly (including regular full system scans)? Are you cautious about attachments you open?
In addition, if he does "attack" your system, you can file a complaint with the ISP it's from. It is still illegal to break into systems in the US and -- in some cases -- can fall under the Patriot Act (but I don't think that it would in this case).
I suspect he's trying to simply scare you.
Nothing is fool proof. For one, you could have listed what OS you have, you know, something that would make it easier to recommend software. I don't see why you'd need "hacking toolz". you need a firewall, anti virii, adaware, and spyware killer. For a firewall, don't get zone alarm, it's terrible. For anti virii, get two. that way if one misses something the other may pick it up.
When people come here and scream they are getting hacked or some ****, it would really help to list details about your machine.
Thanks you both of you.
Hi,
If you have a dial-up or DSL connection, just log out and back in again. They use dynamic addresses, so it will change.
If you have cable, you addy is probably static, contact your ISP and ask them to change it for you.
Get an AV and a firewall and keep them up to date
Good luck
EDIT: damnit gore....you type faster than me (probably have better legs too) :D
MsMittens is correct about IP's being insecure by default Genius.
Every time you visit a website (without any protection, such as firewalls and proxies) your computer happily hands over all kinds of information. For starters:
IP address
Operating System
Browser
Referers (previous website you came from)
It's not exactly difficult to attain IP's these days.
Like Nihil said, if you're on dial-up or DSL then this guy/girl is a blatent moron as these IP's are dynamic (they change every time you connect to the internet). At best, he/she would know your domain (range of IP addresses) which by itself is not a huge security threat unless he/she plans on attacking your ISP, in which case let me know which prison they send him/her to, I'll send him/her a hallmark.
As for cable, I always assumed those IP's were also dynamic as they're being serviced by a DHCP.(?)
Basically Genius, the only way this person could posses the ability to attack you specifically would be if he/she could pinpoint your physical computer by it's associated IP address. To my understanding, this is quite difficult with dynamic IP's (although not impossible).
My take? I'm thinking this guy/girl is trying to scare you like MsMittens said.
In any event, set up a Firewall/AntiVirus/Trojan Scanner(like the others said), notify your ISP about the threat and just keep an eye out. Good Luck.
Here's some links for you to check out to help you.
Rating the Enemy
Making your Windows OS secure
What to do if your hacked or attacked
Staying Safe Online
Take a good pair of gardening sheers (or any heavy duty metal cutter) and snip any cables or wires leading into/out of your computer. They'll never get 'ya then. (sorry)
Yep, if you run Windows, make sure it's patched. Don't open any attachments (fear of self-installing exploits). Befriend some folks here - they'll teach you much.
Just a note on cable providers,
Depending on who your provider is, if you change your NIC card (MAC address changes), your provider assignes you a different IP address automatically. Has worked for me, many times. Might want to try it, if you feel you need to change your Ip address..
I use cable and althougth the ip is dynamic it hasn't ghanged since the day I got it about 6 months ago.
you dont need any hacking toolzz , what you need is to do is secure first your computer,by adding firewall , up to date anti virus , and you say X-friend may somthin bad hapen that why he treatend you, but it doesn't, if your in dial up you can disconnet to the net and log in again so that you'll have differenet ip, n DSL tell you provider to change you add..
I think your system is totaly insecure, so they might used a server {Sub7 or Netbus} to gain your IP or even a apyware,,,, therefor, you have to be sure that your sys is clean,,, otherwise,,, your sys is endanger still.
Actually check and see if you can even access your machine with the ip address you have. For instance, Bellsouth provides Private (C) ip addresses to people who don't pay the $10 extra a month. So my IP at home comes up as 192.168.1.99, which you really can't access outside of my network unless you can somehow get thru Bellsouth.
I think your friend is a crock of **** though.
First, like evertone else has stressed, Get an updated antivirus installed, and install the latest patches for your operating system. Also, get a firewall installed, such as Sygate , ZoneAlarm , Tiny , or Symantec (Symantec only if you can get the corp. version.) If you have DSL or cable, get a firewall/router. (I got one for a friend from Office Depot for less that $70.00. Set the Device up per the Mfg. Instructions. Also get a Malware scanner, such as ad-aware .
Second, If you have DSL of Cable and you're running NT,2000 or XP, you can change your IP address (if it is dynamic) with the ipfonfig command (using Win9x/Me, the command is winipcfg) Type "ipconfig /release", then "ipconfig /renew at the command prompt. This will force your ISP's DHCP server to issue you a new IP lease. For a complete list of functions or help see the documentation for the ipconfig command
Also, some network cards allow you to change the MAC address. Check the propertiies for your adapter. If there is an option that says something similar to "Network Address" under the advanced tab, then you can change the MAC address. If you change it, it will need to be in hexadecimal, and about 12 digits, like "0106E1A19612".
Also, I'd spend some time hardening your system. A great place to start is http://www.spitzner.net. For more advanced hardening info, check out the National Security Agency's Security Guides
NSA Security Guides
Hope it helps :D