Month: January 2012

How to fight text message spam on your cell phone!

Paul1 Reply

Fighting Spam is a Never Ending process!

I got a text message on my phone and it said:

Need a little extra $ today? Bills past due? We can help, visit www.24hrquickfunds.com, takes 5 minutes or less 0.9122046

After Doing some research, I found a pastbin file:

From: 7605147163
Sent: Jan 16 5:45pm
Message:
In need of some quick $? We offer up to $1200 instantly.
Its easy and takes 5 minutes, www.24hrloanvip.com

www.24hrloanvip.com,60.190.222.136

Announced By
Origin AS Announcement Description
AS4134 60.176.0.0/12 CHINANETZhejiang province network

The following A records are set to 60.190.222.136:
1000atmcash.com,60.190.222.136
1500atmcash.com,60.190.222.136
1minuteloan.org,60.190.222.136
1stcashplace.com,60.190.222.136
1stcashspot.com,60.190.222.136
1stcashstop.com,60.190.222.136
1stdollarsite.com,60.190.222.136
1stdollarspot.com,60.190.222.136
1stdollarstop.com,60.190.222.136
1stmoneyplace.com,60.190.222.136
1stmoneysite.com,60.190.222.136
24hrcashquick.com,60.190.222.136
24hrfastcash.com,60.190.222.136
24hrfastloan.com,60.190.222.136
24hrfundsquick.com,60.190.222.136
24hrhelpcash.com,60.190.222.136
24hrlendatm.com,60.190.222.136
24hrlendcash.com,60.190.222.136
24hrlendvip.com,60.190.222.136
24hrloanvip.com,60.190.222.136
24hrquickfund.com,60.190.222.136
24hrquickfunds.com,60.190.222.136
24hrrushfunds.com,60.190.222.136
24hrvipatm.com,60.190.222.136
aidota.com,60.190.222.136
atmcashholiday.com,205.189.71.207
atmcashrush.com,60.190.222.136
atmforholidays.com,205.189.71.207
atmfundssafe.com,60.190.222.136
atmfundstoday.com,60.190.222.136
atmholidayvip.com,60.190.222.136
atmviprush.com,60.190.222.136
bestcashsite.com,60.190.222.136
cash24hrsite.com,60.190.222.136
cashadvanceholiday.com,205.189.71.207
cashatmloan.com,60.190.222.136
cashhloanholiday.com,205.189.71.207
cashholidayatm.com,205.189.71.207
cashholidayfunds.com,60.190.222.136
cashholidaysnow.com,205.189.71.207
cashsitetoday.com,60.190.222.136
dollarsitenow.com,60.190.222.136
ecashsholiday.com,205.189.71.207
eholidayfunds.com,60.190.222.136
eholidayloan.com,205.189.71.207
eholidaysfund.com,205.189.71.207
eholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
eloanholiday.com,60.190.222.136
eloanholidays.com,60.190.222.136
fastsafeatm.com,60.190.222.136
getholidayscash.com,60.190.222.136
holidaycashseason.com,205.189.71.207
holidayloanvip.com,60.190.222.136
holidayvipatm.com,60.190.222.136
loancashholiday.com,205.189.71.207
myholidayfunds.com,60.190.222.136
quickatmfunds.com,60.190.222.136
recordlf11.com,60.190.222.136
recordpw11.com,60.190.222.136
recordspdp11.com,60.190.222.136
rushfundssite.com,60.190.222.136
safefundssite.com,60.190.222.136
vipatmrush.com,60.190.222.136
vipholidayloan.com,205.189.71.207
fastatmlend.com,60.190.222.136
fastviplend.com,60.190.222.136
getholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
holidayfundsvip.com,60.190.222.136
holidayscashquick.com,205.189.71.207
holidayvipcash.com,60.190.222.136
loancashholidays.com,205.189.71.207
myholidayloans.com,60.190.222.136
quickhelpcash.com,60.190.222.136
recordlf12.com,60.190.222.136
recordpw12.com,60.190.222.136
recordspdp31.com,60.190.222.136
rushholidaycash.com,205.189.71.207
safeholidayatm.com,205.189.71.207
vipcashrush.com,60.190.222.136
vipholidaypay.com,60.190.222.136
fastcashlend.com,60.190.222.136
funds24hrsite.com,60.190.222.136
getholidaysloan.com,60.190.222.136
holidayloancash.com,60.190.222.136
holidaysloannow.com,60.190.222.136
lendcashtoday.com,60.190.222.136
loanforholidays.com,205.189.71.207
myholidaysatm.com,205.189.71.207
quickhelpfunds.com,60.190.222.136
recordln11.com,60.190.222.136
recordslf11.com,60.190.222.136
recordspw11.com,60.190.222.136
rushholidayfunds.com,60.190.222.136
secureholidaycash.com,60.190.222.136
vipfundstoday.com,60.190.222.136
vipholidaysatm.com,205.189.71.207
fastfundsatm.com,60.190.222.136
funds4today.com,60.190.222.136
helprushcash.com,60.190.222.136
holidayloanfast.com,60.190.222.136
holidaysloanseason.com,205.189.71.207
lendsafesite.com,60.190.222.136
loansafesite.com,60.190.222.136
quickatmcash.com,60.190.222.136
quickvipcash.com,60.190.222.136
recordln12.com,60.190.222.136
recordslf12.com,60.190.222.136
recordspw12.com,60.190.222.136
rushholidayloan.com,60.190.222.136
secureholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
vipholidaycash.com,205.189.71.207
vipholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
fastlendtoday.com,60.190.222.136
fundsforholiday.com,60.190.222.136
helprushloan.com,60.190.222.136
loan24hrsite.com,60.190.222.136
moneysitenow.com,60.190.222.136
quickatmfund.com,60.190.222.136
quickvipfunds.com,60.190.222.136
recordpdp11.com,60.190.222.136
recordsln11.com,60.190.222.136
rkwh.com,60.190.222.136
safecashholiday.com,205.189.71.207
shabiao.com,60.190.222.136
vipholidayfunds.com,60.190.222.136
wanbar.net,60.190.222.136
recordpdp31.com,60.190.222.136
recordsln12.com,60.190.222.136
rushfundssafe.com,60.190.222.136

Contacting Straight Talk was a Waste of time!

I tried to call Straight Talk wireless since I am using their prepaid service.   So I was told they couldn’t block it or do anything about it.  I decided enough was enough.  Since they weren’t going to help me, I’d help myself.

The First step is of course finding the carrier that spammer sent the text message from.  This however will not help you since it requires you to have access to the phone in question.   So I thought I would help you find it another way.

If your looking for the spammers cell phone network, then you can do a reverse cell phone look up. I found a great little widget to find the network:

The widget searches public and premium listings. White Pages APIs are used for locating numbers. Unpublished and mobile numbers can be viewed via specialized directories while landline numbers are traced via public databases.

Now it is time to Email!

Once you kn
ow which network they are on, you can simply email the abuse department and have them investigate the text messages that are spam. Most companies have a NO Tolerance to spam with emails and thus have the same tolerance to spam as text messages. It is merely letting the right network know that it is going on. Here are a Few email address that can help you:

  • AT&T and Cingular Wireless — abuse@att.net, although I have read calling them can sometimes get you the help you need. It is however very difficult to speak to someone who can do anything about it. This way you can be sure that when you send it to the abuse department that it is being documented somewhere and somehow. You also retain a copy of the sent email for later on.

  • Verizon — Abuse@verizon.net, you may
    also email them using their website. There isn’t an abuse subject like but you can always select other and then put the information down there.

  • Sprint — abuse@sprint.net, that seems to be the best approach. Although if your a sprint customer, you can simply block them from what I understand. If you have questions on that though. Please refer to sprint because they know what they can and can’t do.

  • T-Mobile — forward message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on most phone keypads) if you have a T-mobile account with them. if not you will have to call 1-877-453-1304 and report the abuse that way. I am sure there is an email address but unsure as to where to send it.

There are probably other providers that you need to talk to but these are my top 4 that will most likely be the culprits of the sending the spam text messages. If you have any other suggestions feel free to leave a comment, I’m sure others are fascinated as to how to stop some of these types of abuses with getting spam SMS messages and not knowing how to fight for your rights.

Paul Sylvester

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Aspects of Technology in Today’s Society!

Paul

Who’d of thunk it!

Having spent the last few years as technology had developed, I for one have seen where we didn’t have anything small.   We now have a lot in common with our past.   I am not saying that we are exactly like our past but we have developed something of a reoccurring theme.  I don’t know why I love to talk about Technology but I do think it is the way I have developed a certain love of the simplicity of it.   We’ve even come to the part of giving Technology as gifts, but when is technology more than technology?  That is the questions that we must ask ourselves.

 

 

We’re we are at now!

Many people have probably said we can’t go any further now in technology but I don’t think we are going to know for sure until it has happened.   Some technology is just not being used and others is used on a daily basis.   I would say that I user my personal laptop everyday and even have a few extra ways to be on the internet.  I know technology isn’t going as fast as we might think it but it is something that will forever be ingrained in our lives.  We’ve got people who can get the internet just on their phones and do not always need a computer.   I’m really loving how 20 years ago we couldn’t do that.  I shouldn’t say we couldn’t but I didn’t see it as a possibility.

Were are we heading?

I don’t know if  I can actually tell you that.   Technology isn’t always going to be in your face but we will do know it will be a change from what is going to happen. I will say only time will tell. I am quite curious as to what technology will do next but that is the future. I’d like to hear your ideas on the matter. Your more than welcomed to leave a comment and tell me what you think about technology today!

Paul Sylvester

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Reviewing the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 Prepaid Mobile Hotspot (Virgin Mobile)

Paul

Click picture to see the Price! (Affiliate Link)

My Review of the Mifi 2200 Card!

I probably am not the only one who will be reviewing the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 Prepaid Mobile Hotspot(Virgin Mobile) card (Affiliate link).   I do however have used this card for over 3 weeks and I wanted to give you my opinions on this.  I know I originally bought this for a really good deal for $69.99 and I said a few weeks ago that I was going to talk about this little card.

Technical details:

  • What’s in the Box: MiFi Broadband2Go Prepaid Mobile Hotspot, AC charger, USB cable, battery, carrying pouch

  • experience faster average download speeds of 600 kbps – 1.4 Mbps

  • Ready-to-connect with no software to install

  • Universal Wi-Fi for ultimate compatibility

  • Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously

 

Observations on the Mifi Virgin Mobile!

I have had several weeks to play around with the Mifi card.   I must say that I am really impressed with this.   I don’t have a lot of options on having broadband in my neck of the woods, so when I found this on sale.   I really couldn’t help myself because I could now do what I have always wanted to do.   Having internet where I am live and be able to blog more readily available to me.

Pro’s:

  • Stream Hulu, CBS, NBC, Royal Pains (Affiliate link), Mythbusters (Affiliate link) and Netflix!  (Might require less quality and some buffering but I had no problems watching what I wanted, when I wanted to.)

  • Portability of having WPA connections wherever I went.

  • I even used my Sisters Ipad to stream Netflix and YouTube on the Mifi card.

  • Uses the Sprint Network

  • Can use Linux and other Operating systems with the card.

Although, I don’t stream all the time and thus I am probably not one of those who is going above their ceiling cap they have.   I’ve heard once you get above a certain limit.   Probably 10 gigs or something like that they will cut you off but that is something they will not say for sure.   The 2.5 gig limit will slow your speed down but I’m fine with that.  I haven’t had any problems with the slow down.

Con’s:

  • Battery life — I was able to use my battery for over 6 hours without recharging it but that was with me using it almost all the time.   If you have a long drive or am planning on use it more in your house.   It is best to just keep it plugged in when you use it.  (You can use a Dual USB Car charger to keep the Mifi working while travelling!)

  • Signal Strength — You basically have to keep it close to the windows to get any decent signal strength from the closest cell tower.   I haven’t had much problems with speed but I occasionally have had signal drops and reconnects from time to time.

  • Cricket Wireless broadband — This is just as good as Cricket Wireless broadband but since they aren’t in the are or have 3g services in my area, I had to go with Virgin Mobile.

 

All in All!

To sum it up, this isn’t a really a bad deal for the price.   Even though the so called “unlimited” is slower than normal speeds after 2.5 gb used, it is probably not going to be any faster than when you use it on a daily basis and thus it is still a good way to have internet in areas where there may not have many internet options.  The Novatel MiFi 2200 from Virgin Mobile (Affiliate link) isn’t a bad choice with a no contract.  I’ll definitely recommend it for those who might just be needed for spots that don’t have internet!

Paul Sylvester

 

 

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Protecting your personal information!

Paul


Booted from AmigaOS 4.1 Update 1 Live CD. Image via Wikipedia

People will steal your information in a heartbeat!

If you have had your head in the ground lately, you would let people see your information without you even knowing it.  If your one of those people who use your Ipad, kindle Fire (Affiliate link), or some really good Android device to check your emails or browsing the web, then your information is vulnerable to people reading or getting your information.

There are several ways to get your information, I’ve already talk about one way that someone hacked an account on one of my favorite science fiction site.   I actually had to help solve the problem and get the site running without redirecting visitors to another site.   This isn’t always about scaring people but to help them do what is needed.

Security starts with simple stuff!

To protect your personal information is a simple as one, two, and three.   Nothing in this article is going to be very hard but I intent to help you make it even easier to for those who are untrained.   Having to help a couple of my customers with this, I’ve pretty much come up with a way to safely browse the web without leaving footprints for those really hard to find viruses.

Portable Apps — This is a great little tool that you can customize and install Lastpass.   I thoroughly recommended it in the past and still do, it is a great deterrent for key loggers and phishing attacks.  Lastpass even has a portable(Mobile) application so you don’t have to install anything on the computer in questions.

Create a Live CD — Making a Pen Drive can go a long way to prevent from getting a virus or even someone getting your personal information, but that won’t help if your using a wireless hotspot.

Install Ubuntu — This the easiest way to have a Linux system on your computer.   Now I am not going to say Linux is worry free from viruses, but that does make it less likely to get them.   I really think Linux is OS is something that will stand the test of time because of it being an Open Source and not a closed projects like Apple and Windows.

Create a Virtual Machine —  this is like creating a live CD but not having to reboot.   You can create a virtual machine and run the live cd in the virtual machine.  This is however not as secure as rebooting because some program could be watching the network and logging everything.   I don’t recommend this as much but it is something useful if you are worried about getting a virus.

Don’t forget to use a VPN(Virtual Private Network)!

Now I already talked about some VPN’s for Ubuntu/Kubuntu but that doesn’t work with Windows or Macintosh, but I will talk about some alternatives for those who want to use Windows or Macintosh!

PublicVPN — This works with Macintosh and Windows but have not tried this so I am only showing alternatives and thus you will need to determine if this is right for your situation.

Hotspot Shield — This is one of the ones that I have used in the past and still recommend it and it now seems to work with Ipads and Apple products.

Android VPN — The Android Market Place has some great choices for several different VPN’s that may work well with your situation but I have yet to test them out and see which one is the best but yet this is something that may require some testing on your Android Device.

 Do you use a VPN?

This is something that I thought I would ask and thought I would ask it as a poll.   I would love to hear if you use a VPN and how much.   I encourage everyone to use a VPN when ever you are at a open wireless hotspot.

 

Paul Sylvester

Need Glasses? Try GlassesUSA!

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Techniques to remove malware from your domain!

Paul1 Reply

Starfleet Officer Image by Sam Howzit via Flickr

Websites and domains!

I recently had to help my favorite club remove some malware off their website.   My club, Starfleet-command Quadrant One website, was one of those sites that didn’t see this coming.   As a website owner, I’ve seen many of things come and go but experience has taught me that it will always come back.  I will be watching for this again in the near future but hopefully it won’t come back!

The back story was something that I have to at least talk about because this is how the site got infected.

One reason that this site got infected was by being hosted with the same hosting server.  They were both using the Goddady shared hosting account to display their webpages or forums on the internet.   Thus Godaddy, with their infinite wisdom tried to explain it away as that.    I don’t know if I buy that reason or if there was something else that might of been the culprit but I do know this website had urls redirects and such to malware sites.  I much rather keep with Hostgator, then have Godaddy anyways.

Another Reason is that it was probably some kind of key logger, or something that was sending back the important password information to a Command and control server and thus the website owner was infected or someone in the organization that had access to the account was unintentionally allowing a hacker to gain access to the website.

Removing the Malware off your Site!

Nothing in the world is ever going to be easy, but it is necessary to get into the guts of the website.   Your probably thinking, websites don’t have guts.   You’d be wrong, when I thought about having to go through each part of the code and remove the html malware redirects that is what I mean by guts.      Many people will come to understand that as a programming language but I like to think of it as a doctor who does surgery to remove an infectedc limb or something like that.

So I’m going to give you a few areas to look at if your having this problem with Malware being on your site or domain.   It won’t always be the same place for the same infection but it will at least help you find it and remove it.

.htaccess — This is one place where they will first make changes to redirect traffic to the domain that they want your visitor to. If you have had much experience with what it does.   It is a good time to learn what they do and how to use them.

 

index.php or index.html— This is something that the hackers have learned to use but most often is over looked.   This is something that I haven’t seen before until now.   Certain browser will display the virus or malware warnings and others will not even see it or have any problems!   See example for more information, because I couldn’t do a better job then them!

 

Check Subdomains and subdirectories —   This is something that is also needs to be looked at.   even if they aren’t showing the signs of being being infected it is always a good idea to at least make sure they stay uninfected.   Check them for the .htaccess and index code and remove what you need or change it to where it should be going to in the first place.   I found the .htaccess redirect code all in subdomains and sub directories on the one that I helped to remove the infection from.

 

Change ALL passwords — This is a MUST, if you’ve been infected then your passwords are at risk of being the source of the infections.   Change your FTP Password, your log in information password, and anything associated with the site in question and possibility the subdomains passwords.

 

Limit the number of people with the new passwords — if your like me, you don’t want to many people to have the ftp password and thus you should consider only allowing a select number of people having it.   Like the organization I have, they have people left and right who use it to upload files and stuff that is needed.   It also might be required to just have a server that is used for nothing else but to upload files for publications and other things like that.

 

Disclaimer

Nothing in the article is a must do or will get rid of your site being blocked by Google and other such search engines but it will at least give you a place to start looking to find culprit and maybe get your site running again quicker.   I will not make any guarantees that this will fix the problem or that it will solve your problem 100% but this is to be used as a tutorial on where to look and what you should do to prevent re-infections with malware.

 Paul Sylvester

SUPERAntiSpyware, with over 20 million users worldwide, is the most thorough scanner on the market. SUPERAntiSpyware

 

 

 

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