Modem Hijacking
A most recent threat to online security is a scam known as Modem Hijacking. Also known as Dialer Hijacking or Internet Dumping, this form of "Spyware" has spread nationwide and attempts to defraud customers by charging them for certain long distance telephone services. Customers are often surprised by such long distance charges, but they may have been dialed by malicious software found on their home computers.
These malicious "Dialers" may find several ways to invade a home computer. They may be authorized by an unsuspecting user after accepting a licensing agreement, or, "Dialers" may accompany software to view specific content.
"Dialers" may also be downloaded to a home computer by disguising the authorization of such a download behind a pop-up window.
This malicious software may act in several ways. It may disconnect a user from the Internet and redial their connection through a long distance number, or it may bypass local access numbers completely.
Almost any home computer that has a phone line connection to the Internet is vulnerable to this "scam." This includes but is not limited to those with dial-up access to the Internet or those with a fax connection.
Customers who have such malicious software on their home computers are in danger of receiving costly long distance telephone bills. For this reason, NewTel is proud to provide the following tips to help avoid unnecessary charges.
- Turn off your computer and modem when they are not in use.
- Unplug phone connections when a modem is not in use.
- Raise the volume level of your modem so that you are aware of a redial.
- Be aware when visiting sites of questionable content, or avoid such sites entirely. A number of sites download surreptitiously onto customers' hard drives.
- Monitor your child's use of the Internet. Consider using blocking software to keep children from questionable sites (e.g., adult content, gambling).
- Do not download from a non secure web site.
- Close pop-up windows by selecting the, "X," button in the upper right-hand corner, rather than any other embedded icons.
- Keep your operating system current with patches and updates.
- Ensure that Internet dial-up access numbers are on your local telephone plan and delete unknown access numbers.
- Be wary of any unusual icons on your PC.
- Consider installing anti-virus software and update regularly.
- Thoroughly examine your telephone bills and contact your carrier about suspicious charges; they may already have precautions in place to help avoid unauthorized calls.
- Software exists to prevent such fraudulent activity. The link below will bring you to one of the worlds most trusted Anti-Spyware programs.
