Re: how to PHYSICALLY disable computers from any networking

["adeel hussain" <ad33lh () gmail com>]

Hello,

As most people have pointed out, we are either missing info, the
target is reinfecting herslf or this is a targeted local attack.

For the sake of potential safety and security I will presume this is
not the hoax it sounds like and offer the following advice (with the
same proviso as Steve - 1% royalties ;) )

Firstly, if it the computer is hacked even if the modem is
disconnected and/or a different ISP is used then the compromise is
either based on actions the user always makes (and thinks is safe -
think services like facebook, ebay, etc.), something the user always
installs (a trojoned version of some software perhaps - remwmber, even
a screen saver program is an executable) or it is a local hack via
wireless (close) or direct physical access (way to close).  Since the
hack happens at different physical locations either the attacker has
nothing to do in his life but follow the target or we are back to
trojaned software or vulnerable on-line services.

So, switch operating systems (Mac or other *NIX option would be
advisable), buy all your software from a reliable and public vendor
(shrink wrapped), do not use any priated or cracked software, ensure
you are using updated firewall, anti-virus and anti spyware products -
the last two are mainly for Windows based machines but can be used for
*NIX), don't use wireless (don't even have it installed or capable),
change all your accounts (and I mean all, financial, credit, social
networking, gaming, retail, etc. and don't forward any of your old
contacts the new information.

Once you have done all that you should invest in some physical
security for at least the first few months (cameras that are taped,
alarm systems, a big dog, restraining orders, etc.) because once the
attacker is cut off from the target they are either going to loose
interest or get up-close and personal.

Stay safe.

p.s. remember - not all bad guys/villans are men.  this could be a
vindictive ex or current female "friend" that has an axe to grind.

On Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 6:18 PM, McLellan, Jerry
<JMcLellan () whpacific com> wrote:
> Could it be that the computer was loaded with the same OS disk provided
> by the stalker?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: listbounce () securityfocus com [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com]
> On Behalf Of Jon Gucinski
> Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 10:50 AM
> To: security-basics () securityfocus com
> Subject: Re: how to PHYSICALLY disable computers from any networking
> Importance: Low
>
> I can't help but to think that a.) we're missing some information and
> a lot of back story here, or b.) this is a fiction writer looking to
> vet story ideas against pros.  Then again, I'm a cynic by nature.
> It's what I get paid for. This is Hollywood stuff, not real world.
>
> Frankly, I don't buy it.  The pieces just don't even come close to
> adding up without the supposed attacker having repeated physical
> access or continued and detailed surveillance.
>
> -Jon
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 11:21 AM, Douglas C. Duckworth
> <stlpcsecurity () gmail com> wrote:
> > Jeff MacDonald wrote:
> > > On Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 04:04:54PM -0700, Cricket's Courage wrote:
> > >
> > > > HOW can she totally PHYSICALLY disable internet (networking)
> > > > capabability from her computer and future computers?
> > >
> > > Unplug the computer from all of the grids... network and electric.
> That is
> > > the *only* way to be 100% secure.
> > >
> > >
> > > > HELP?????
> > > >
> > > > Cricket
> >
> > 1. Cancel Internet Service
> > 2. Desolder the onboard NIC and remove any wireless cards
> > 3. Install home security cameras
> > 4. Full Disk Encryption with Truecrypt and a 25 character passphrase
> > 5. ???
> > 6. Profit!
> > Or skip all of these and simply install an OpenBSD firewall and move
> her to
> > Linux.