i have been hacked with zonealarm installed !!?

Question

a hacker have deleted all my files :(
i have zone alarm pro. I'm running 2 P2P programs:
bitspirit ( bittorrent client) and emule (edonkey & Kad client).
in ZAP, internet zone security was set to Med. both programs have been given full access to internet.

all the folders that contain the deleted files are shared and network users are allowed to change my files. i put this option because i believe it increases the download speed in the p2p programs.

what should i change ?
or should i give up using p2p programs ?

Answer 1

Unless you know how you were hacked, it's difficult to patch the hole. Since windows is pretty insecure (partly security holes, partly the hacking community seems to use/target windows), I'd recommend adding some external security. Firewalls are getting cheaper and are generally pretty useful and reliable. Make sure that you keep all your anti-virus and security software up-to-date.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Actually... the free stuff is sometimes better than the Overly known popular ones... all a firewall has to do is hide the computers ports from the internet... however most of the problem lies with the pc's owner... like said previously... most p2p software doesnt have the ability to allow people to change files from the outside... unless you d/load a trojan... giving them a window...

like i mentioned b4... firewalls are as only good as the pc's user... take note of the settings you select... and programs you allow... theres a few common windows apps that want to be connected to the internet... leaving ports open... these ports become "service" ports... 1st thing to do is block these programs.... basicly if you open IE or p2p, or even messenger (not windoes messenger... thats the 1st one you block) and your firewall pops up and asks if you want it to access the internet.... click yes and remember, if any other program wants access to the outside... and you aint actively using it.... or dont have a clue what it does.. deny access... note that some p2p or d/loader apps will want their advertisement addons to access the internet... this can be handy if the program will still work with these denied... if not.... let em access

Answer 4

Like the first guy said, don't jump to conclusions just yet.

Realize that a firewall helps protect from someone trying to get into your PC from the outside, and also helps you keep tabs on what's leaving your PC.

However, nothing's perfect. If you download a file that is infected with a trojan, worm, and/or virus, then there's not much a firewall is going to do for you. It lets you download what you want, because it knows the request came from you. It doesn't monitor the "content" of files, as that would be the job of your antivirus program (which doesn't catch everything either).

The best form of protection is two things: good surfing habits and a good backup routine. If you're out there grabbing illegally cracked software & games, chances are you're coming in contact with a lot of sophisticated viruses and trojans. You make yourself vulnerable to attack as well running P2P programs like eDonkey. Look at what you're doing before you blame the poor little firewall!
:)

Answer 5

Well, I can't tell you how it was done or give you a full proof solution. But I can tell you what you need to change right now.

Do NOT "Allow others to change my files."

There is no reason to have this set for what you are doing. It will not speed up your downloads, and it is most likely the most direct cause to your files disappearing.

p2p programs don't need to change your files, only read them.

In fact, if you computer is ever connected to the internet or has wireless networking in use, you should never set your shared file and folders that way unless you really know about network security, which I'm guessing you don't since this happened.

Allowing networked users to change your files lets them delete them and this is most likely what happened.

Answer 6

If you set security level medium than firewall keep open that port which is used to access network share & your computer become visible on net so if you want to secured than set it to high.
You can check if your pc is safe from hacker or not using a tools provided by Mcafee using this link http://www.hackerwatch.org/probe/?affid=0-59&langid=1

That will show are u safe or not so happy computing

Answer 7

I don't trust any p2p programs but if you must use one, make sure you do not share any important folders or folders with personal things in them that might embarrass you or expose personal information.

Answer 8

nothign has probbably happened, sometime files go missing because they get put in a Cash(storage) before being put onto disc. and when the computer is turned off they are put onto disc. sometimes if the computer fails to shut down properly then these files wont get put onto disc and authough thy were there before you turned off they will dissapear when you turn on again(especially with removable storage).

this is probbably what ahppened over the network. i wouldnt worry about being hacked especailly if you have zonealarms, its a very good programme.

Answer 9

T-day was great thanks As far as a firewall, I suggest you use a good virus protection software, like Norton or McAfee. They have a good built in firewall and can guide you through the set up, They will also scan your system for malware of all kinds. Good luck

Answer 10

Hey,
I was looking for a free download Bitspirit I found it here http://j.mp/1lhrmd4
I strongly recommend it.
Bye