An auto-dialer virus??

[cousinlucky]

It just amazes me how many scams are being perpetrated through the Internet. Today I learned about " an autodialer virus ". It seems that this virus can be downloaded into a computer by simply clicking for something to get off the screen.
This triggers the downloading of the autodialer virus. Once into your computer this virus will use the modem to make calls to premium phone numbers.

Its your phone line so you have to pay the bill.

[fingal]

I suppose that would be a Window's executable. You would probably have to agree to download it at some stage as part of some perceived 'service'. I suspect that casual surfing on a *nix box is very safe indeed.

[bidi]

I'm not so sure you would have to agree! Recently we've been having some issue with the computers where I work (a computer lab at a college), they have been randomly shutting off whenever people are online. We've been able to pin point it to the software used by the school's WebCT service. The system admin was saying it run JavaScript and there's no reason why a bug wouldn't be able to shut the computer off. We came to this conclusion as this has happened to some student's home computer as well. If a script can shut your computer off, why can't it download and run something without you knowing?

[techieMoe]

All conjecture aside, this is a moot issue on a Linux desktop. Why even bother discussing it?

[fingal]

All conjecture aside, this is a moot issue on a Linux desktop. Why even bother discussing it?

Heh. That's 'Moe Speak' for, 'This is going to attract trolls and turn into a flame war.'

[bidi]

I think the point the original poster was trying to make is how far people go to see others get screwed, at least that's how I see this case. At least the people who turn your computer into a zombie have a purpose (propagate their business), where a virus that does what described here really doesn't except to screw you.

However, you do have a good point, these types of post always atract trolls.

[fingal]

Assuming you use Firefox, it might be worth installing the Noscript plugin. It can hamper surfing on some sites, but it can also make using the Net feel more secure.

Ironically, the only time I've experienced an obvious 'online hijack' was when I was searching for commercial software, used to record cases of 'anti-social behaviour'. I was well protected by anti-virus software and firewalls, but Googling on the words ~crime or ~criminal can be a bit 'risky': especially coupled with the word 'software'.

[techieMoe]

Assuming you use Firefox, it might be worth installing the Noscript plugin. It can hamper surfing on some sites, but it can also make using the Net feel more secure.

I agree. Great piece of software. Along with Adblock, it's the first two extensions I install on a new system.

[carlosponti]

Heh. That's 'Moe Speak' for, 'This is going to attract trolls and turn into a flame war.'

no matter what i disagree with all of it. dog poo on you

[valemon]

Should we allow java scripts from linuxforums?