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Scams and Hacks...etc...Tip to not get your account hacked! |
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Believe it or not.
This is getting on my nerves.
If your 'best friend' knew your 'word' and stole your items,
you weren't hacked.
You were scammed
A hacker is;
A hacker is an intelligent person. Someone with extensive knowlege of computers and programming. Someone who knows how computer works on a fundemental plan, so they can walk in the backdoor. They are people who dedicate their whole life to understanding computers, and to find flaws and weaknesses to exploit. A true hacker is the computer equivalent of a human who can walk through a solid brick wall.
No real hacker would sink to the level of breaking into a virtual pet site to steal your virtual points. (Most of the time)
A scammer is;
In real life, they are like the people who sell you fake Rolex's.
On the Gaia these are the people who try to get you to part with your items, gold, and even account. No matter what means they use, as long as you are somehow involved, I consider it a scam.
The distinguishing feature of a scammer, is that they can't do it without your help. They need to trick you.
BREATHE.
I know. It's hard to log in and suddenly have ALL your HARD earned items gone.
I know it's much easier to blame a 'hacker' than yourself.
But I highly doubt anyone has ever hacked into the gaia systems.
Especially just to steal one persons items.
I understand that it would be nice to blame it on a hacker, or on the devil, or on the monster under the bed, anyone but yourself. But until you realise that you brought it on yourself, you have no guarantee it won't happen again.
And let me get this straight right away: I didn't say you can't get hacked. I said you weren't hacked.
Unless this friend used a program to STEAL your account
There are programs that can get you peoples account information.
You will be frozen if you use them,
but I'll explain them here.
So you know what to look out for.
COOKIE GRABBERS
Definitions:
Cookie:
definition: small data file that contains your information/preferences from sites you visit
on.gaia: stores your information such as username and word
notes: deleting cookies logs you out of all accounts on all sites on that browser
Cookie Grabber (CG)
definition: program/script that tricks your browser into sending a cheater your cookies
gaia.relation: scammers try to make you visit their sites that contain cookie grabbers
notes: cookies are not shared by browsers example: You use Firefox to browse only on Gaia and Internet Explorer to browse other sites. If you visit a site with a cookie grabber on it in Internet Explorer, only the IE cookies will be grabbed, not your Firefox cookies.
My Definition:
Most common, I suppose.
A cookie grabber is a program that steals your cookies.
No, not the baked goods your Grand mother makes.
You pick up these little grabbers by visiting certain pages.
Every time you click, your computer tracks the page you were on.
Under preferences, you can clear out your 'Cookies'. A cookie grabber TRACKS were you went, and such.
Some people will tell you just to delete your cookies, but this will NOT work.
That will not make any difference if you've already visited the site with the cookie-grabber. They already have your cookies (which contain your word and deleting them from your system will make absolutely no difference to the scammer, it will only require you to log in again...)
If you think you've been CGed, change your word.
Trojan
definition: program that seems legit, but internally programmed to disrupt/damage computer activity
on.gaia: see backdoor Trojan
Backdoor Trojan
definition: program used by a hacker to take control over your computer via the internet
on.gaia: can do whatever he wants in your account
note: much more dangerous than a cookie grabber. Once this program is installed, the hacker has access to everything on your computer through the internet. This is when you'd have to consult with antivirus sites.
Keylogger
definition: captures user's keystrokes. used to determine errors in computer systems
on.gaia: cheaters use it to record what you type, most importantly your username and word
Hacker
definition: one who uses programs to gain access to your computer
note: many hackers are kids who think installing these programs on your computers are fun. Its illegal but many do not understand this and had to find out the hard way. These can actually cause your families being banned from internet providers like Comcast and receiving fines, which their parents have to pay for.
BE.SAFE
There are many, many, MANY anti-virus software, and some avalible to download.
These are ones I find most helpful;
Anti-Virus & Spyware Programs The following programs are what I consider to be "must haves" for anyone that cares about their computer's protection. These can all be conveniently found at Download.com. It is a completely safe site.
Anti-Virus
Avast Home Edition 4.6- I highly recommend this anti-virus program as it is one of the highest rated programs on the market as of now, but also is FREE. It scans your computer for viruses, worms, and Trojan horses but also has real-time protection, meaning as soon as it detects a new problem with your computer, you will be alerted. Did I mention this was free?
Spyware Removal
Spybot- This is a FREE removal program that will scan your computer for spyware such as keyloggers and cookie grabbers. There are many different types of spyware, some are harmless, however, they should not be on your computer, especially if they were from a hacker.
Ad Aware- Another FREE spyware removal program that has recently surpassed Spybot in popularity. I personally suggest downloading both because one may find something the other did not. I use these three programs and highly recommend them. You do not have to pay to have your computer protected, so take advantage.
Tips:
Do not scan your computer with different programs at the same time
Recommended not to use your computer while a program is scanning
The first time you use a program, do a thorough scan instead of the quick/smart scan
If you visit many different sites, I suggest thorough scans every couple of days, quick scan whenever you don't do a thorough.
If you primarily browse on other sites, and are worried, quick scans every few days, thorough scan once a week.
Length of thorough scan depends on your computer (esp. hard drive size) so I recommend thorough scanning when you will not need to use the computer in at least an hour. I usually thorough scan when watching a movie, getting dinner, etc. Basically, a time when I will not be on the computer but will be around to check up on it.
Before you scan, update the program so it has it's latest definition file because they may not find the newest forms of spyware if not updated.
 SweetLiLVivi · Sat May 05, 2007 @ 03:51pm · 1 Comments |
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