Internet Dialler or Rogue dialler is the name given to a program which modifies you Internet dial up connection and connects to the Internet  using a premium rate or International number. The result is an horrendous telephone bill at the end of the month.

How do you get Infected?

You basically install the software yourself usually you are asked to install a toolbar or something similar so that you can access free content like smilies, music, adult content, games  etc. When you agree the dialler is installed along with the other software and replaces you default dial up connection.

How to Check if your Infected?

• Check your dial up connections especially the default connection (if you have several) and look for any premium rate or international numbers.
• Run a spyware detection program (Yahoo provide a free one with the Yahoo toolbar). This will detect and remove dialler software.

Precautions

•  If your telephone company supports it then have premium rate and International calls barred except when accessed via a PIN.
• Always physically disconnect the modem from the phone line when you are not using the internet.
• Some phone companies provide warning software (BT uk does) . If yours does download it and install it.
• It is also a good idea to make a note of the proper connection number and each time you use the computer check the connection before you dial to see that the number is what you  expect.
• You should also run a spyware program (Yahoo provide a free one with the Yahoo toolbar) each time you start your computer and before connecting to the Internet. This will  detect and remove dialler software.
• If you share a computer instruct other users of the danger especially children.
• Don’t download and install anything that you are not 100% sure of
• If you do download and install any software run the virus checker and the spyware checker afterwards.
• Do not connect to the Internet without a firewall enabled/configured.
• Leave internet explorer set for default security or higher, never set the Internet security level any lower than default or medium if using custom level.

What to do if Infected

• Do not dial the Internet. If connected disconnect.
• Use an anti-spyware program like the one with the Yahoo toolbar to detect and remove the dialler(s).
• Run the virus checker software to check for viruses
• Re-boot the machine and re-check using the anti-spyware application as some have the ability to re-install.
• You will need to create a new network connect or edit an existing one to restore the old settings.
• Connect to the Internet and disconnect after a minute.
• Re-boot the machine and re-check using the anti-spyware application as some need to connect to the internet before they can re-install themselves.
• Run the virus checker software to check for viruses.
• If the virus scan and spyware scan are clean then you can reconnect to the Internet. However be very vigilant and re-check every day for the next few days.
• If the dialler keeps coming back you may need to seek professional advice.
• You will need to contact you telephone company and inform them of the problem and follow any complaints procedure they have.

Does it Affect Broadband Connections?

No it doesn’t and it is why I would always recommend that you switch if possible to broadband especially if your children are accessing the Internet. However you must make sure  that your analogue modem is not plugged in (its not needed) and set Internet explorer never to dial a connection.

Does it Affect Monthly flat Rate Connections?

It can affect any dial up connection so it doesn’t matter whether or not you are on a flat rate or pay as you go scheme, as the dialler uses its own connection not the one you thought  you were using.

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