Internet Archive

+$%VIRUS ALERT%+$> - Malicious Code & Hackers KEEP OUT

In the last two articles in this series (issue seven and
eight) we looked at passwords and viruses. I seemed to scare
a few people, but that's all for the good if it makes you
think about viruses and security a little more.

 

A quick mention needs to be added on downloading malicious
scripts/viruses. These are usually just simple pieces of
code that can be executed on opening a document or program.

 

So, let's start with the very, very basic, a web page.
That's right just a simple, ordinary web page that you
download every day. How about if we added a simple Java
script to it that just opened another web page window. I am
sure you have seen the type that opens new windows instead
of the parent window.

 

How about if that second window opened another and then
another and another etc. etc. How fast can you close screen
windows?

 

And for that matter how about if we added another script
that opened yet another window when one was closed. So for
every window opened two more are added. How many windows can
be opened on your desktop before your system crashes?

 

This is a very simple example of how a malicious script can
be added to a web page or document and be annoying or
perhaps more destructive. This example is just to make you
aware of what is possible and that you should always be
observant and on your guard when downloading anything and
that includes web pages.

 

Malicious scripts are to be found on web sites but are
usually contained in e-mails. Of course you do not have to
view HTML documents (web pages) sent to you in the mail you
can, and most users do, insist on plain text only to avoid
possible situations.

 

If you are using Outlook Express you can choose how your
messages are sent under 'Tools' > 'Options' > 'Send'. And
also under the 'Security' tab, but remember this will also
affect your options in Internet Explorer.

 

You should certainly consider disabling, or at the very
least requesting a prompt when downloading ActiveX controls
and Java. ActivaX been the course of many problems and very
few web sites use this anyway.

 

So you have sorted out your security, you have updated your
anti-virus software and you are aware of possible situations
to avoid. Are you secure? Well no, not even now!

 

If you are using a Windows system you could have a problem
with hackers trying to access your system while you are
online. You don't have to have installed any dodgy software,
just be online. As the Internet advances and more users come
along developing software and testing security systems,
cracks are going to appear. And let's face it, operating
systems like Windows were never designed with the Internet
in mind.

 

Using serial port scanner software, a hacker can scan the
Internet for systems with open ports and try to gain access.
This is of course illegal. ISP's are aware of this software
and on the lookout for users using it and they will of
course shut them down. But it may be too late by then.

 

So lets start with your file and print sharing options. If
these are set to share files with other systems, and you do
not need them to be (i.e. you are not connected to an
Intranet) this is one way of gaining quicker access to your
system.

 

Disable them. From your desktop go to 'My Computer' then
'Control Panel' and choose the 'Network' icon. Under
'Identification' your system will have a name, just check to
see that you have not named it after a bank ;-) as this is
what hackers using scanners will see and they will
definitely be back to visit you again.

 

Then click back to the 'Configuration' tab and you will see
a 'file and Print Sharing' button click this and make sure
the check boxes for file and print sharing are unchecked.
Click OK and click OK on the configuration window.

 

You are now a little more secure. As already stated, as the
Internet advances and different systems are tested more
cracks will appear, always be aware of security problems and
avoid possible situations if you can.

 

What next? Well, if you do spend a lot of time online and
are really worried about who may be trying to access your
system, or for that matter software on your computer trying
to 'Call home' (yes they can and do, this is no joke) you
could consider a personal Firewall, but more on that for
another day perhaps.

 

 

Recommend this page to a friend

Reproduction of this article '+$%VIRUS ALERT%+$> - Malicious Code & Hackers KEEP OUT'

is permited as long as the following copyright and signature file is included.

============================================================
Publisher: http://nnh.co.uk
Copyright © NNH, nnh.co.uk
More articles like this and links to great Internet

resources can be found at: http://www.nnh.co.uk
============================================================

 

READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS