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Violations and AbuseAs a service to our customers, the Southwestern Bell Internet Services Policy Department informs you of security issues that may pose a problem. As you've discovered, using the Internet can be a very rewarding experience. While the public nature of the 'Net connects us to worthwhile information and a global community, it also opens the door to some negative activity. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from much of this activity if you take the proper precautions. The first step is being aware of potential harm. Recently, it has come to our attention that a growing number of our customers' computers have become infected with the Back Orifice and NetBus Trojan Horse programs. These programs are usually received as files received via IRC (Internet Relay Chat), through ICQ, in e-mail attachments, or by downloading programs, software or other binary (or "executable") files from the Internet, especially from unknown or untrusted sources. Although downloading the programs alone will not affect your computer, once the programs are run (or "launched"), your system may become infected without your knowledge. Furthermore, the programs will configure themselves to automatically start each time you turn on your computer. Once your system is infected by having launched one of these programs, they allow anyone on the Internet to connect to your computer and use it remotely without your knowledge. This means anytime you connect to the Internet, others can make use of your computer to engage in potentially malicious activity. For example, your files can be modified or deleted, or your stored passwords can be stolen, giving the trespasser access to your Internet account as well as your computer. Once someone else can access your computer online, it can be used to engage in attacks on other computers on the Internet with the appearance that you are the culprit. Again, the best course of action is to be aware of the possibilities and then take steps to protect yourself. Back Orifice and NetBus currently only work on Windows computers. If you are using a Macintosh, Unix or Linux machine, or other non-Microsoft operating system, you are currently safe from this particular threat. For steps to rid these programs from your computer or prevent them from being received, please click here. If you have further questions, please contact our Policy Department at using our Service Abuse Form. Here are a few of the things that you can do to actually see where spam is coming from and remove it: |