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Hacked: Who Else Is Using Your Computer? By Darren Miller

A friend called me one day and asked if I would stop by to look at his computer. He said it was running abnormally slow and he had found something on his hard-drive he could not explain. I could almost guess what it was he found. Have I been hacked?

You see, his computer had been hacked. Actually, in his case, his computer had been tagged.

Tag, You are It!

The file transfer protocol, commonly referred to as FTP, has been around for many years. In the early days of the Internet, it was one of the few ways to easily upload and download files from one computer to another. Many commercial operating systems come with an FTP server installed. In other cases, the option for FTP services is selected by a user when they are installing or updating their operating system. If this service is not setup properly, or you don not have an adequately configured software or hardware firewall, it is an open invitation for a hacker or intruder.

FTP Tagging - The most common purpose for someone to compromise your FTP server is for the storage and distribution of illegally obtained software and files. This could include cracked software, stolen movies, audio files, and pornography. Removing this type of contraband from your computer can be difficult, particularly if you are using a Microsoft Windows platform. Hackers use sophisticated scripts to create a maze of directory structures to house their wares on your computer. They may use a combination of names with spaces in them, and in some cases use extended characters (characters outside the normal alpha-numeric range). Deleting these directories through normal means may be difficult, if not impossible, for the average user. Many people wind up wiping their system and re-installing it, and that is if they are lucky enough to find out their system has been compromised.

The above is a perfect example of why the statement, I am not worried about being hacked. What do I have that a hacker would want? is not a good position to take. The fact is, you do have something they want, your computers resources. Why should a hacker store tons of illegally obtained files on their systems when they can use yours.

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

The Good

When I was young I use to spend hours upon hours on the Internet Relay Chat, also know as the IRC. The IRC is another method of Internet communication, which has been around for quite a long time. When I was a frequent user of the IRC, it was just plain fun. You would meet all kinds of people from all over the world. It was the instant messenger of the time.

The Bad

Today, the IRC is a huge communications network. It is made up of thousands of channels, and can be accessed by pretty much any operating system platform. It is also a favorite means of communication for hackers. They can discuss new exploits, methods of compromise, and even send and receive files. Many hacker groups use a cryptic language to communicate with each other on the IRC channels. Unless you know the language constructs they use, their conversations can look like a bunch of nonsense.

There are many exploits, backdoors, and Trojans that effect, or are contained in, the myriad of IRC clients on the Internet. Making sure you choose one that is relatively safe to use is not an easy task. As an example, take a look at this list of IRC safety and security info at IRCHelp.org.

The Ugly

It is not just the exploits and security risks associated with using the IRC, which need to concern you. If a hacker is able to install an IRC relay agent on your computer, it can become a conduit through which they communicate and distribute information. In my line of work, I have identified many systems with IRC backdoors or relay agents installed. The only thing the end user typically experiences is a decrease in system; performance and Internet access.

Just Open The Door And Let Them In - Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

If a total stranger were to knock on your door, and ask to come in to just hang out for awhile, would you let them in? Most likely not. If you are using peer-to-peer file sharing software to locate and download files on the Internet, you are opening the door to destruction. Many of the file sharing services and software available on the Internet today tout themselves as being safe and clean. This is as far from the truth as you can get. If you are a regular user of these services, the chance of your computer being back-doored or hacked is significant.

If you have anti-virus software installed (and up-to-date), you are undoubtedly received messages regarding viruses when downloading files from peer-to-peer services. These are not the only things you could be downloading. Many hackers imbed root-kits in files and distribute them using peer-to-peer file sharing. Root kits contain many types of tools used by hackers to gain control over computers. If the installation of the kit on your computer goes undetected and is successful, it is only a matter of time before your computer is completely compromised.

I can not tell you how many times I have found company employees (and technical personnel) using peer-to-peer file sharing services. Any organization that permits this is putting itself at risk. And, the risk is much greater as compared to a single home computer because of the number of potential internal targets.

Conclusion

Of course, the above is just a few examples of different methods and types of computer compromise. There are many ways your computer can be hacked. Your best defense is a good offense along with education and awareness. When you configure your computer make sure you enable only the software and services that you need. Many programs have known exploits and / or require additional steps be taken to adequately secure them.

Do not make the assumption that you are not a target just because you do not think you have anything of interest on your computer.

If your computer becomes unstable or dramatically decreases in performance, do not assume it us just a quirk or that it is time to upgrade.

Make sure you have a software or hardware firewall in place to protect you from the Internet. Your firewall should be configured not to allow anonymous inbound access from the Internet. This is the default configuration for most firewalls, but you should make sure the one you are using is properly configured.

Make sure you have adequate virus and spyware protection, and your pattern signatures are up-to-date. Many anti-virus applications work on a subscription basis. It is not uncommon to find out your subscription expired. If it is expired, your software may not protect you from new and emerging threats.

And, do what ever you can to stay away from any type of Internet peer-to-peer file sharing service. No matter how safe the developer claims it is.

About The Author
Darren Miller is an Information Security Consultant with over sixteen years experience. He has written many technology & security articles, some of which have been published in nationally circulated magazines & periodicals.

Special Tahnks to Darren. Helping you secure your home, home office, or small business computers and technology. Darren is Staff writer for several other e-zines.

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