At 9/18/2003 07:05 PM, Al Thompson wrote:

>  There were some strange properties surrounding this connection - a 9
> digit phone number to connect to the ISP, and the user name was
> 'mds-gratis'. So my questions are:
>
>1.) Anyone know of any programs that could have set up a dial-up
>connection without my knowledge?
>2.) Has Zone Alarm become a target or a liability with regard to security
>(has it been hacked?).

I don't think that ZoneAlarm had anything to do with it.  There are some
web sites that come up with the message "To view this page properly, you
must install "XXXXXX". Do you want to install?".

If you answer "Yes", it installs a dialer and then tries to dial a "Cost
per minute" phone number, usually a porn site.  If you had been on dialup,
the installed program would dial the new ISP and logon.  You would have a
shock at your next phone bill since many of these phone numbers cost US$
5.00- 10.00 per minute while you are connected.  It is billed through your
local phone bill.

Doug

                         PCSOFT's List Owner's:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>