Emergency!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Question

How can I protect hackers from entering my computer? Someone has entered and they have hacked my Internet so they can see my emails, passwords and everything on the Internet. I don't know how they have done this!
I'm running Virus, Spyware scans and everything! How can I get rid of them? How can I change my IP Address without contacting my ISP because my calls/emails may be tracked! I'm in a sticky situation here! I really need help!
Thankyou everyone!!

Answer 1

OK, first calm down a little bit...I can help you.

To prevent someone from entering your computer, you need 2 things: First, a firewall. Second, is a strong userid/password. Regarding the firewall, there are 2 levels:

First, if you are on dsl or cable, make sure that you have a private address assigned by DHCP. You can make sure of this by selecting properties on your "My Network Places", then right click and select status on your "Local Area Connection", then click the Support tab. If your IP address starts with 192.168 and the type is "Assigned by DHCP", then you are fine. If it starts with other numbers, then you need a router between your PC and your dsl/cable modem. They are $50-$100 and are easy to install.

Second is that you need to turn on windows firewall using your control panel. Check the box that says "Do not allow exceptions".

Now the userid/password: First make sure that ALL user accounts have a strong password (at least 8 characters, at least 1 number, at least 1 CaPiTaL letter, no words in dictionary). If you are XP pro, make sure you also give your administrator account a strong password, as you would be surprized how many people leave this account completely unprotected. Anyone could logon as administrator with no password if no router and firewall.

MAKE SURE that you do ALL of your Microsoft Updates. You say that you are running virus and spy scans, so make sure that their definitions are also up to date. Here, you are looking for a keylogger. I would run a scan in "safe mode" (search for how to do). There are a LOT of bogus security software out there. I fully trust AGV or Avast for the antivirus, and Superantispyware for the antispy. ONLY get them from their official sites, and NOT a 3rd party site.

I also suggest Winpatrol and Ccleaner. With winpatrol, you can view (and protect against changes to) your startup items, services, home page, and HOSTS file - which are all targets of malware. Ccleaner (Crap Cleaner) cleans your registry and deletes a lot of history stuff that you really dont need. Make sure you select all items on the first page when running for the first time. Learn how to use both before using.

Lastly are your online items (now that your computer is safe). First, if you store passwords on the net, get them off...!!! Change ALL email passwords to a strong password.

I would NOT worry about your calls being tracked by hackers. While it can be done, this is VERY specialized and has nothing to do with the security of your computer, unless you have a PC based telephone like Skype. The regular Vonage should be fine. Use a land line or cell phone otherwise. Resetting your IP is usually done every month anyway, unless you signed up for a static address. Simply power off the cable/dsl modem, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in.

Email me for more details on anything...but follow all the steps I gave above.

Additional: Another answerer said to use more than one software firewall. Do not do this. Only use one, otherwise you WILL have conflicts. Also, put a strong password on router and turn off remote management.

Answer 2

1) Get AVG Free from here http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

2) Get Spybot - Search & Destroy from here http://www.spybot.info/en/download/index.html

3) Get Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal from here http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

4) Disconnect you from your phone line so there is no connection to the web.

5) Install and run above programmes.

6) Change all passwords once you are sure you have removed all trackers.

7) Reconnect to the web.

8) Check that everything is working OK.

If you do not yet own a router then I would suggest you get one, ADSL Modem with router would be my choice, reason being this gives you more protection and the router has a firewall to protect it, password logon and if it were hacked it stores no information and therefore is of no use to these hacker types.

Make sure you keep all programmes updated.

If problem persist it maybe necessary to reformat your disk(s) and start a fresh. If you do this, make sure you disconnect from net before you install new OS.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

The easiest way to get a hacker out is to disconnect your computer, router, and everything from the Internet. Now you can take steps to prevent it from happening. You should have a router that has a firewall (if it does, then you should change the password on your router), and your computer should be running a firewall (at least Windows Firewall, but another would be better). If you think you were hacked, you should change the password on all the users on your computer.

But the primary thing to do is to get a firewall on your router, and a firewall on your computer (2 would be best. One being Windows Firewall and the other from McAfee, Norton, or other company).

Answer 4

It seems someone had installed malicious software on your computer. Update your current security programs or find a better program on download.com if they are not helping. After that unplug your computer from the internet and completely scan it. That way the harmful software can't contact it's host(the hacker). If you have a modem, turning it off, waiting about 10 seconds and turning it on again should reset your ip address.

Answer 5

You may have a keylogger running.
Go to task manager and look at all the proceses running, and end any suspicious looking ones. Also update your Spyware with the new definitions.
You can change your IP address by turning your broadband modem off and on.

Answer 6

1. disconnect from the internet.
2. take a backup of your important files on CD flash drive etc.
3. Reformat your PC.

Do not rely on Antivirus and sypware removal softwares. I personally consider and antivirus the biggest virus. Last time, the virus I had completely left my anti virus paralysed.

-AJ

Answer 7

call your isp provider and tell them what is going on they will help you through it...webroot spyware is wonderful or if you can find one called cleansweep it is the best i ever saw turn on your firewall and virus protector right now til you get this resolved

Answer 8

Do you have a firewall? I recommend both a software firewall (e.g. ZoneAlarm, MS) as well as a hardware firewall (router). The AlphaShield (see link below) is a great help as well.

Answer 9

You can't change your name & password without letting your ISP, they are the ones connecting you with all the services. Just go to your account & edit, providing a new password, a complex one. You can also create a new profile, & stop using the name you got altogether from now. Use your new profile as Default.

Answer 10

Maybe your software just really sucks....or it isn't updated to the latest definitions.....personally I run AVG....it's free for the base software but it's still pretty damn awesome.....

Install a firewall called Sygate Personal Firewall....It's pretty badass.

Go to your command prompt and check for any open connections on your computer.

Inform your ISP if you get desperate.