Re: THE BEST KEPT SECRETS OF THE COMPUTER UNDERGROUND

From: Dave Korn (no.spam_at_my.mailbox.invalid)
Date: 06/21/03 

Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 03:04:49 +0100

"Don Kelloway" <dkelloway@commodon.com> wrote in message
news:EMFIa.311$p8.209@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...

>
> While it is true that certain applications (AOL, etc) will install and
> make use of a VPN connectoid. As well as the fact that there are a few
> worms designed to transmit the captured data in an encrypted format (not a
> VPN) to a remote system. Very few (if any) hackers install a VPN. Most
> 'hacking' is done in the clear to facilitate speed, acquire the
> information desired, clean up and get out. For a hacker to implement a
> VPN would only slow down the process and create unnecessary obstacles.

  There's a mass mailing virus doing the rounds right now that installs a
VNC server. Maybe that's what she was thinking of and is just mixing up the
terminology.

           DvaeK 

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> "Tracker" <"snailmail(invalid)222000"@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:3EF113FE.8BC17412@yahoo.com...
> > Remember, you heard this from me first.  Installing a backdoor for
> > future and continued access to your computer system is simple once a
> > computer system is compromised.  Here are the "Malicious Hackers Best
> > Kept Secrets"!
> > They install a Trojan Horse which disables your anti-virus and firewall
> > protection; also, they install a second set of their own hidden firewall
> > application(s) to protect their Virtual Private Network(s).  The point
> > that I am trying to make is this, you can check your system for a
> > Backdoor, Trojan Horse, Virus, or Worm until your blue in the face, you
> > wouldn't find any.  The hackers own firewall application(s) can be
> > installed on your hard drive in a hidden folder and the only way you
> > would know it's there is by going to your Control Panel, Folder Options,
> > View, Show All Files and Folders (Windows ME and earlier).
> > Windows keeps files and folders hidden by default so you don't make
> > changes to their important files.  You need to View all Files and
> > Folders on your computer to reveal what malicious hackers have installed
> > without your knowledge.  This will open your eyes and show you all the
> > files and software applications now sitting on your hard drive.  If you
> > want to learn more about computer security, if you're a beginner, one
> > avenue is to read-up on configuring your mail and browsing
> > applications.  Google and Yahoo also have Newsgroups and message boards
> > pertaining to the aforementioned.  If utilizing a Windows platform, do
> > some reading on configuring your Windows Internet Options both Internet
> > and Local Settings. Also, spend time learning what applications in
> > Windows are running and on what port they run on.
> >
> > Tracker
> > Beef's fiancee
> >
> > Interested in purchasing my book named "Security Minds versus Malicious
> > Minds" visit:
> > www.securitymindless2003.com
> >
>
> re: Remember, you heard this from me first
>
> None of which you offer is from you first!  In fact *EVERYTHING* you
> recommend has been taken from other sources and regurgitated and fed
> through some sort of translator device.  Usually the results are
> inaccurate, and/or misleading, and/or make no sense what so ever.
> Sometimes the words of wisdom you offer will actually do harm to the
> system in question!  Maybe it's just me, but IMHO this is not helping
> others.
>
> re: Trojan Horse which disables your anti-virus and firewall protection
>
> While it is true that there are some viruses (not trojan horses) that are
> capable of deleting core files associated with various anti-virus and
> firewall applications.  Very few (if any) Trojan Horse applications are
> designed to disable anti-virus and/or firewall software.  In fact none of
> the 'Big Three RCT's' (BO2K, NetBus Pro, or SubSeven) will do this.  They
> will however provide the ability to the remote administrator (i.e.
> 'hacker') the ability to make the changes themselves, but only after the
> RCT has been installed and is capable of being accessed remotely.
>
>
> re: you can check your system for a Backdoor, Trojan Horse, Virus, or Worm
> until your blue in the face, you wouldn't find any
>
> If you have the necessary applications, it is very easy to detect all of
> the above.  Even if you do not have the applications, but have the
> experience.  It is still possible to detect all of the above.
>
> re: The hackers own firewall application(s) can be installed on your hard
> drive in a hidden folder
>
> While it is true that a hacker will often make the folder that they've
> installed their app's to hidden as well as implement password protection
> and/or restrict access to their covertly installed applications, this is
> not the same as installing a firewall.  In fact very few (if any) hacker's
> would have a need to install a firewall upon a PC that they've already
> compromised.  Of course it should also be said that finding hidden folders
> on your hard drive does NOT indicate that the PC has been compromised
> either!
>
> re: If you want to learn more about computer security, if you're a
> beginner, one avenue is to read-up on configuring your mail and browsing
> applications. Google and Yahoo also have Newsgroups and message boards
> pertaining to the aforementioned.
>
> For once you actually offer some valuable advice.  Though while using the
> 'net is a great place to start, often what you may find is information
> (see first paragraph of reply) others like yourself offer.
>
> Instead I would suggest acquiring a book on the subject of TCP/IP or
> Internet Security.  After all it's usually easier to learn something
> correctly the first time as opposed to learning something incorrectly,
> then have everyone in the world attempt to inform you differently, only to
> refute what you're being told.  Does this sound familiar?
>
> --
> Best regards,
> Don Kelloway
> Commodon Communications
>
> Visit http://www.commodon.com to learn about the "Threats to Your Security
> on the Internet".
>
>
>

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