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MODEM HIJACKING: DOs and DON’Ts
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What is modem hijacking?
Modem hijacking is one of the recent threats to online security when you are connected to Internet through a dial-up connection. This form of “Spyware” has spread around the globe and attempts to redirect your modem to certain long distance telephone services resulting in skyrocketing telephone bills. When spyware hijacks your modem it can disconnect you from the Internet and redial your connection through a long distance or ‘special service’ number, or it may bypass local access numbers completely. Almost any home computer that has a phone line connection to the Internet is vulnerable to this “scam”, including those with a fax connection.
Easy tips to prevent your modem from being hijacked
ACN would like to provide the following tips to help avoid unnecessary charges from your modem use:
- Turn off your computer and modem when they are not in use.
- Raise the volume level of your modem so that you are aware of a redial attempt or if the modem is connecting to an unknown number.
- Do not download any software from an untrusted web site.
- Close pop-up windows by selecting the, “X,” button in the upper right-hand corner, rather than any other embedded icons.
- Keep your operating system current with patches and updates.
- Ensure that Internet dial-up access number is correct.
- Always keep your PC updated with recent anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
- Disconnect any dial-up modem used as back-up for a broadband connection.
- Please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and ask for further means to prevent your modem from being hijacked.
How can ACN help you:
ACN has implemented a hacker blocking service which is free of charge for all customers. It will help you protect your modem and avoid skyrocketing telephone bills for usage you are not aware of. It has a list of known numbers used by modem hijackers. This list of suspicious numbers is regularly being updated in order to offer you a service that can protect your modem as much as possible. However please note this will not give you any 100% guaranties of protection as new numbers are being taken into use by modem hijackers every day. To order this free service, please contact our customer service on 020-46 15 32.
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