Help with a hacker

[El Salvadori]

While playing on the yahoo pool game and, after I beat them, someone got started insulting me and then typed in my IP address. He then said he was a hacker and would be making my life "very difficult".

A. How did he get my IP address?
B. What damage can he do to my PC?
C. What can I do to prevent him doing anything?

I bought a pack with virus software and a firewall some time back but, although the pack said it was compatible with Win95, it wouldn't load on my PC. I loaded the virus software but couldn't be bothered to go and get a proper firewall.

His yahoo ID is mark197625 and he looks like a geek who has nothing better to do so I better take this seriously.

All help is appreciated.

[Vernon Frazee]

http://www.zonealarm.com/

[El Salvadori]

Thanks Vernon.

I'm going to install the ZoneAlarm firewall now.

He says he has already hacked into my PC and the software says it stops people doing this. Is it a case of "Once they're in, they're in" or will this stop him getting in again?

How would I find out his IP address in case he does start messing about?

[Bin_hex_2000]

Hello El Salvadori

In case someone have been able to send you a Trojan without you noticing it, the firewall will inform of any attempt of outbound communications from your computer, just block any application you don't want to do this, but you must allow your Browser, any FTP Client you have and some trusted sites like game servers too.

Do you have a static ip? if not, don't be too paranoid, don't give out personal information to any clown out there, they normally use this to scare.



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I think, therefore I exist.

[*L*]

Is there an area on that site where you can report harassment like that?

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I am Canadian

[Vernon Frazee]

This will get you started:

Installation and setup instructions for ZoneAlarm can be found beginning on this ZDNet page: Learn how to install and protect your PC with ZoneAlarm

Once that's done, go to https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 , scroll down and click the "Test My Sheilds !" button. What you're looking for here is "Your Internet port 139 does not appear to exist!" and "Unable to connect with NetBIOS to your computer". Now scroll down and click the "Probe My Ports !" button. What you're looking for here is "Stealth!", on all ports.

Now launch Internet Explorer or Netscape and you should see something like this:



And, you'll get this prompt for every new program attempting to access the Internet. Simply click No if you aren't familiar with the program. (You could then go do some research on the Internet and find out what that particular program does).

Next go to http://housecall.antivirus.com/ and run a virus scan against all your hard drives. What you're looking for here is "Infected files: 0".

When you get this far, with a clean bill of health, you have basic protection set up.

For some extensive Computer (In)Security info, visit this excellent site: http://pcinsecurity.com It's by by one of our esteemed members, jerryctx.

[El Salvadori]

thanks all for such speedy and comprehensive replies!

maybe I'll see you in the pool rooms ;-)

[KatMac]

VF: Wow! Well done!

[Vernon Frazee]

You're Welcome, and Thanks!