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. Similar to the image you see here.
Tag, You're 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't 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're lucky enough to find out their system has been compromised.
The above is a perfect example of why the statement, "I'm 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's 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 irc.org.
The Ugly
--------
It's 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've 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're using peer-to-peer file sharing
software to locate and download files on the Internet,
you're opening the door to destruction. Many of the file
sharing services and software available on the Internet now
tout themselves as being "safe" and "clean". This is as far
from the truth as you can get. If you're 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've 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's only a matter of time before your computer is completely compromised.
I can't tell you how many times I've 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.
Don't make the assumption that you are not a target just because you don't think you have anything of interest on your computer.
If our computer becomes unstable or dramatically decreases in performance, don't assume it's just a quirk or that it's 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's 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. Darren is a
staff writer for http://www.defendingthenet.com and several other
e-zines. If you would like to contact Darren you can e-mail
him at Darren.Miller@ParaLogic.Net or
DefendTheNet@ParaLogic.Net.
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Original URL
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http://www.defendingthenet.com/NewsLetters/HaveYouBeenHacked.htm