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Help Desk
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So far, I have had to clean a dozen or so
computers from Trojan Horses. What are Trojan Horses you ask? Well they
are "holes" in software such as operating systems like Windows 95. I
stress that most holes aren't in the software already, but are made by
hackers who wish to "explore" or possibly destroy your data.
These "holes" are made by hackers. Many novices and even experienced users
would normally not know if they know if the hole has been opened up.
Lately, a number of utilities have been made by hackers, such as NetBus
and Back Orfice to open them.
The utilities contain two parts: "controllers" that can operate your
computer, which resides on the hacker's computer and a "server" part which
is often described as a "patch" or sometimes as a game such as
'Wack-a-Mole' which resides on the user's computer.
It is important that novices do not accept such patches and should on rely
on reliable software patches like ones placed on the Microsoft Windows
Update site, which is almost certified to be certain to have no faults.
The "patch" that is included with NetBus is a small program, consisting of
creating a hole in the Windows operating systems (which includes Windows
NT - Microsoft's MOST SECURE operating system so far). Once the "patch" is
run, the hacker, armed with the user's IP address (while on the internet)
could do possibly more harm being away then being there.
On the user's side, the patch does not display anything on the program and
the program looks it is close as there is no Task Bar icon or on the Task
List. The patch also reruns itself when the computer rebooted.
The hacker uses the "controller" to do such things like opening programs,
deleting, downloading and uploading files, visiting web sites, ejecting
CD-ROM drives, displaying wallpapers and much more. While this sounds
quite harmless, it's not.
There are similar programs around purposely meant for remote computer
administration, such as Microsoft's new Remote Desktop Administration
which is optionally installed in Windows 95 OSR2.x and Windows 98. Quite
simply though, most programs are around for bad than good.
My point on this matter: be careful what you accept on the internet even
if it doesn't look like a Trojan Horse. If you are uncertain what a file
you are receiving is not to open it and delete it straight away.
If you require an expert to clean a trojan horse from your computer, feel
free to call on my Support solution.
Last updated: 29 March 2000
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