Internet connection hijack

[Kerplunk]

Is there any software that can prevent your dial-up connection from being changed for a premium rate number? Luckily I noticed this had happened before the kids used the computer !! I have Norton Firewall and it is up-to-date, are there any other ways of blocking this from happening again?

[gnasher]

phone bt and ask for premium rate call barring (free service)

[Paul---G]

Or be careful which sites you are looking at. Or keep a close eye on your internet connections folder........

[Kerplunk]

Thanks for that gnasher, but how will I vote on hells kitchen or big brother :-). Paul--G, It has happened only once and I am not sure which site caused it. Probably a pop-up I am presuming. I don't intentionaly use dodgy sites...honest. But if there are no technical solutions I will keep an eye on my connections.

[jencat]

download Spybot and AdAware for free from www.downloads.com (or something similar, but these work well) and run them regularly, updating every time. Very basic practice to clean up all the rubbish that installs itself as you surf (premium diallers, cookies, trackers, popups etc), protects your privacy and phone bill and should make the system run smoother as it's not so clogged up. Just keep an eye on what it finds before you delete them.

[rinkytink]

Hmmm....I believe that any firewall worth it's salt should have picked this up. The way that these things work is that they disconnect you from the internet and replace your dial-up number with the premium rate number. You then are reconnected or you dial this number next time. Any good firewall should detect any new connection you are making to the intenet and ask if you wish to allow it. I use Zone Alarm pro and this does this for me - are you sure that your firewall is configured correctly ?