Did You Know Your Computer is Set to Allow Remote Access By Default?

[Spiral]

Are you using windows as your operating system ?

If the answer is yes you might want to do this;

1- Click on the Windows Start button, click on "Control Panel", the Control Panel window will open (or in Windows 8, click on "Desktop" from the Windows Start Menu and then click on "Control Panel" when the desktop appears).

2- Click on "System and Security" in the Control Panel.

3 - Click on "System" in the System and Security - Control Panel.

4- Click on Remote settings in the top left of the, System - Control Panel. The small "System Properties" window will open.

5- In the "System Properties" window, click on tab titled "Remote" (if it's not already selected). Then, under "Remote Assistance", untick or remove the tick from "Allow remote connections to this computer". Then,* under "Remote Desktop", tick the radio button (the little circle) on "Don't allow connections to this computer".

*this step doesn't apply to all versions of windows / computers


I am posting this because a neighbour of ours got a phone call from a man who said he was from microsoft, within seconds he had taken control of our neighbours PC & demanded payment to free it, fortunately at this point they realised it was best to put the phone down & have had to pay for it repaired.

http://i58.tinypic.com/292kz8m.gif

[777]

Wow, amazing advice thank you buddy. I use mac and windows so this is partially applicable.......and fully vital! Take heed people this is real. My brother is a whizz with this kinda stuff and I expressed some disbelief after a hacking at work that it was even possible. I then watched him prove it to me when my mouse control was taken by him as he spoke to me on the phone.

This is very very real.

[Spiral]

Wow, amazing advice thank you buddy. I use mac and windows so this is partially applicable.......and fully vital! Take heed people this is real. My brother is a whizz with this kinda stuff and I expressed some disbelief after a hacking at work that it was even possible. I then watched him prove it to me when my mouse control was taken by him as he spoke to me on the phone.

This is very very real.

It certainly is, I couldn't believe it when I did the above & saw it was set to "allow remote access" on my laptop & PC, the above process was a bit simpler on W7.

For those of us on staff or who have a website this is something that needs doing asap, its also probably how peedo porn is put on certain peoples hard drives that "they" want to frame.

[Tribe]

I moderate from my iPad :)

[Altaira]

Thanks Spiral, this was very useful, I never even suspected this remote control option was on as I installed the windows myself and never ever checked it .

[Moonlight]

Thanks Spiral ! :shocked:

A friend from work got one of those calls a couple of months ago. Because she was having computer problems she thought it was legit. He got to her bank information but luckily the bank security system caught him, which was a blessing for her, but caused much problems to get everything fixed.

I also got a call. The guy on the other end was very insisting... don't call us, we'll call you I answered and hung up the phone.

I'll pass this important information along...

[john parslow]

Thanks Spiral - job done, could save a lot of hassle -

OTHER USERS PLEASE NOTE AND DO, JUST TAKES A COUPLE OF SECONDS. JP

[modwiz]

I have had the remote function disabled for years. Very good advice.

[JJC]

just scratched the tick!
thank you Spiral jjc

[norman]

Every time I instal a fresh start with windows I do a bunch of settings to privatize my domain. turning off remote access is one of them.

Another is fully disabling all updates. There is a cost to pay for this one, of course. A few fancy modern features don't work, but my machine is faster and safer because of it. I know Microsoft would have us believe our machines are safer WITH all the latest updates but that's a big fat lie. They assure us ( well, Gates does )... that vaccinations make our kids safer too.... get my drift?

There was a peak in the ratio between functionality of our computers and freedom of control over our computers. I'm very sad to say that peak is well past. Probably about 2001-2 ish when XP service pack 2 came out. Since then, it's been down hill all the way.

[Spiral]

Every time I instal a fresh start with windows I do a bunch of settings to privatize my domain. turning off remote access is one of them.

Another is fully disabling all updates. There is a cost to pay for this one, of course. A few fancy modern features don't work, but my machine is faster and safer because of it. I know Microsoft would have us believe our machines are safer WITH all the latest updates but that's a big fat lie. They assure us ( well, Gates does )... that vaccinations make our kids safer too.... get my drift?

There was a peak in the ratio between functionality of our computers and freedom of control over our computers. I'm very sad to say that peak is well past. Probably about 2001-2 ish when XP service pack 2 came out. Since then, it's been down hill all the way.

I have gone even further & moved to ubuntu, its way faster, next time I buy a computer I am buying one with linux on instead of windows then I will not be paying for Gates's genocidal programs.

(You can install unbuntu on a windows machine by creating a "dual boot" system, easiest way is to reduce the space window occupies on the HDD & then installing ubuntu od a DVD )

[norman]

I have gone even further & moved to ubuntu, its way faster, next time I buy a computer I am buying one with linux on instead of windows then I will not be paying for Gates's genocidal programs.

(You can install unbuntu on a windows machine by creating a "dual boot" system, easiest way is to reduce the space window occupies on the HDD & then installing ubuntu od a DVD )

My productivity would fall through the floor if I switched to Linux. All my audio apps, which I've spent years learning to use efficiently, are windows based. My main audio editor is a bit old now but I'm regularly assured by other audio people on the net that there is still nothing for linux that comes close to it's functionality and ease of use.

I do like the idea of a separate project PC built up as a linux system. I keep putting off actually starting it though. One thing is the huge choice of Linux distros to pick one from. I used to torrent download linux distros and burn them to disc. I have several. I just never got around to doing anything about it.

[gardener]

thank you for this information spiral will I be able to purchase ubunto and install in uk?gardener x

[KosmicKat]

For anyone thinking about migrating to Linux, it can be a bit of a steep learning curve at first. But it will give you a little more security. I have a dual-boot system that I seldom use because the only version of Ubuntu that would fit onto its antiquated RAM was an outdated one with a bug in the core update program. That said, if you have essential programs under Windows, look into the possibility of running the same under WINE (WINdows Emulator).

Another possibility to watch (it hasn't made it to the official release stage yet) is ReactOS, an open-source project based on the Windows NT design.

As for using remote access, I have known about it for years (since before I had my own PC) and used it sometimes to help friends. As far as security is concerned I am much more concerned about the possibility (take a bow, Edward Snowden) that Windows has undocumented "backdoor" access points which are known to the initiates of the alphabet-soup agencies.

[Sooz]

Thanks Twirly, when I saw this yesterday, I immediately leapt to my comp. But my dear trusty IT man had already set it to no remote access.

A timely reminder though. I will send a message to all my clients. Thanks.

Sooz

[Spiral]

thank you for this information spiral will I be able to purchase ubunto and install in uk?gardener x

Ubuntu is free, as are most of the programs for it, you just down load it from them, the latest one with long tern support is 14.04 LTS http://www.ubuntu.com/

You need to know what you are doing IT wise if you are going to install it alongside windows, there are tutorials out there if you search for "ubuntu dual boot".

If you reduce windows size on the HDD you need to turn it on & off a few times before doing anything else (I reduced W7 from 750gb to about 550gb on my laptop, & then Ubuntu installed itself into the space when I loaded it from a DVD I had burnt earlier, having changed the boot device to DVD drive first)

The other alternative is to buy a new hard disc drive & put that in instead of the windows one & go into boot settings before hand to change the priority boot device to your DVD drive, & then start it with a DVD in with Ubuntu on it that you would need to down load & burn to disc first.

To change the boot device you have to press F8 or F12 (it may say at the bottom of the screen momentarily on start up ) when you start up your computer before windows loads, that takes you into BIOS or its equivalent, its very primitive looking, thats where you can set things like Boot Device etc.

[ronin]

what does someone need to remote access your computer?just a ip address?
i would have thought they would need a lot of information?
and is there not a program or something that tells you if someone is trying to access your comp.

thanks for the heads up!

[john parslow]

Hi ronin, if anyone takes over your computer, you will see the mouse moving and you will have no control over it. I only know this because my son-in-law builds my computers for me and if I have a problem he fixes it remotely for me. JP

[norman]

As far as security is concerned I am much more concerned about the possibility (take a bow, Edward Snowden) that Windows has undocumented "backdoor" access points which are known to the initiates of the alphabet-soup agencies.



That's exactly what I mean about 'updates'. They can call anything an update. and all the good little people will click "YES PLEASE".

I don't want to tell the world, here in a post, how I protect my system, but I always wonder about so called anti-virus software. If I was an NSA person back in the last decade or so, I would have infiltrated those anti-virus companies and exploited their unique deep access to the bowels of our computers. When I used to click "Full Scan", I always wondered what was really going on.

[KosmicKat]

what does someone need to remote access your computer?just a ip address?
i would have thought they would need a lot of information?
and is there not a program or something that tells you if someone is trying to access your comp.

thanks for the heads up!

To gain remote access using the Windows Remote Assistance program requires that both the controller and the computer being controlled are set up to send and receive Remote Assistance requests. The request is then sent from one computer to the other and has to be accepted before the link is established. That's the Windows Way.

However, I recall reading fairly recently about a journalist who had paused while writing an article on his laptop only to notice that words were being removed and even sentences changed. When he typed an invitation to dialog into the text he was working on, the process immediately stopped and did not begin again (which would be standard operating procedure for someone in the "black" community).

[ronin]

(which would be standard operating procedure for someone in the "black" community).

i don,t know any Jamaicans who would want to remote access my computer!

[KosmicKat]

[off topic]
Jamaicans tend to be more of a beautiful warm brown. The people I have encountered who were truly black (almost a blue-black) seem to originate from somewhere in northern Africa.
[end off topic]

[ronin]

twas a joke that sank like a rock :back to topic:

[Catsquotl]

I realize digital security is an ongoing "thing". We can protect our computers. Only send mails with PGP encryption and browse the net anonymously via the TOR browser network.
That said though. How is it that as soon as anyone creates "free energy" black heli's will show up.
I think or am affraid that our very thoughts are monitored on a constant basis.

So even though we can protect our network musings to some degree I have no doubt it is monitored by thos that really matter regardless of what safety measure I think I need to feel safe..

I've stopped caring. I wil say and do alomost everything i feel like slinging into the bit O' sphere.
The virus scans I do perform is to get rid of pesky malware and such..

With Love
Eelco

[KosmicKat]

I realized, long before I had access to the internet, that the best way to have a private conversation was to stand back-to-back in the middle of open heath. The other way that seems to work quite well is when both parties speak a common language that is not understood (note: understood, not spoken by) any potential snooper.

[Spiral]

I realize digital security is an ongoing "thing". We can protect our computers. Only send mails with PGP encryption and browse the net anonymously via the TOR browser network.
That said though. How is it that as soon as anyone creates "free energy" black heli's will show up.
I think or am affraid that our very thoughts are monitored on a constant basis.

So even though we can protect our network musings to some degree I have no doubt it is monitored by thos that really matter regardless of what safety measure I think I need to feel safe..

I've stopped caring. I wil say and do alomost everything i feel like slinging into the bit O' sphere.
The virus scans I do perform is to get rid of pesky malware and such..

With Love
Eelco

Anti virus software doesn't always deal with malware, & is usually incapable of dealing with rootkits.

This is a copy of an email about getting rid of rootkits & malware my brother sent me.

It's safe to use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free) alongside any anti-virus software you have running because it is not an anti-virus, it is anti-malware. The free version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will not be running or slowing your computer down when you click on the close cross (X) in the top right of its window.
How do I install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware?

To install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0, please follow the instructions provided below:

1 Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware at http://www.malwarebytes.org/mwb-download/

2 After downloading, double-click the downloaded file to get started

3 Choose Yes if the User Account Control dialog appears

4 The installation wizard will now appear to guide you through the installation process
Click Next
5 Review and accept the license agreement, then click Next

6 Review the latest changes made to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, then click Next

7 Choose where to install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (the default location it suggests is fine), then click Next

8 Choose to have a Start Menu entry and allow its name, then click Next

9 Choose to have a desktop icon, then click Next

10 Review your installation choices, then click Install

12 The wizard will begin to install the files

After installing, you will have the option to enable a free "trial" of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware "Premium" (do not choose the free trial of the premium version, left click in the little tick box to remove the tick next to "Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium". Because otherwise it will be running in the background all the time, poissibly slowing down your computer and could annoy you with ads saying, pay for the premium version now! Which it doesn't do in the free version). Make sure the tick is in the tick box next to "Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware". Then left click on "Install" or "Finish" (whichever confirms your options in the tick boxes).
The Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will open up. Move on to "How to run a scan using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware...".

And here's a video showing what to do (do not choose the free trial of the premium version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4AFzg08RSI

Reference: https://helpdesk.malwarebytes.org/entries/20840058

How to run a scan using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware...

1. Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start (if not, double click on its icon on your desktop to open it) and you will see a message stating that you should update the program, and that a scan has never been run on your system...
[Image: Click on the Fix Now button to start a scan]

However, I first suggest you left click on "Settings" next to the gear/cog icon near the top of the window. Then left click on "Detection and Protection" on the left side menu. Make sure "scan for rootkits" is ticked (left click in the box to add or remove a tick) and make sure the other two are also ticked as shown:

​
2. Return to the Dashboard menu by left clicking on "Dashboard" next to the clock/meter icon near the top of the window. Then, start a system scan by left clicking on the “Fix Now” button or...
[Image: Click on the Fix Now button to start a scan]

2a. Alternatively, you can click on the “Scan” tab and select “Threat Scan“, then click on the “Scan Now” button.
[Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Threat Scan]

3. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now check for updates, and if there are any, you will need to click on the “Update Now” button.
[Image: Click on Update Now to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware]

4. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for malware. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.
[Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan]

5. When the scan has completed, you will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the “Quarantine All” button, and then click on the “Apply Now” button.
[Image: Remove the malware that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has found]
Please note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot (which means it wants to restart your computer) in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, you should first, finish, close and/or save any other software/programs/applications you have running such as Internet browsers, file transfers or Word Processing software. Then return to Malwarebytes and left click on "Yes" as shown below. Alternatively you could have clicked "No" and then manually restart your computer later.
[Image: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while removing viruses]

6. After your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform another “Threat Scan” (starting from step 1) to verify that there are no remaining threats

[Catsquotl]

Yup thats what i use for malware.....

With Love
Eelco