There was a time when the internet was a fun, entertaining way to spend an evening. Then, I made the mistake of e-mailing Intel's tech support, regarding the speed of their gigabit server adaptor. The reply I received was, "Please address your issue with the manufacturer of your adaptor, as Intel does not show that part number", but in the middle of the e-mail was the part name, "Intel MT1000 Dual Server Adaptor". I replied to his e-mail, pointed out the Intel name he had included while denying that it was an Intel part, and I told him that I heard Microsoft was hiring entry level tech support personnel, and he might want to check into it.
Within a week, someone had hacked into my system, shut down Zone Alarm Pro, stopped Panda Internet Security Antivirus, and then proceeded to shut me out of my own computer. Neither security company would even answer my e-mails about what had happened, That was May 2004.The hacking has continued ever since.
Most months, I would have internet access for a couple of days out of the month. My Intel adaptors were telling me that they couldn't connect to the internet. When I ran System File Checker, to find system files that had been changed, a window would open asking me to insert the Windows Whistler PRO CD ROM. That was the name for XP PRO before it's release. So, I was being hacked by beta operating systems that were never released to the public. I called Microsoft hacker hotline, and after two hours, was told by an XP PRO expert, that, "Someone can gain access to your computer, only if you give them explicit permission". Notice the quotations, that is what the computer industry giants official answer was then.
I've spent at least 4 thousand dollars since on hardware, software, large, expensive books on security, registry, and anti-hacking books, and the one thing I have discovered is, "If a hacker is knowledgeable enough, and he wants into your computer, he WILL be into your computer, before you realize it"
I'm getting smarter all the time, maybe one day soon, I'll be able to secure my computers again. Til then, I guess I'm at his mercy, because when I e-mail for help to security companies, they won't even answer back. There are no antivirus programs that can't be taken over by a hacker, and I've bought all the major, and minor antivirus programs out there, including Computer Associates eTrust PRO ver. 7.1, F-Secure's new 2006 version, NOD32 PRO, Panda IS Antivirus W/Preventium. They're all junk if a hacker decides he wants in your computer.
If you're being invaded, look towards your hosts files, thats where the hacks will be coming from in the neaz future, even tho the officials won't even admit there IS a problem