What Is Dialer Spyware?
Dialer spyware is a category of software that, while occasionally used for legitimate purposes (though less so now than in the age of more prevalent dial-up use), is typically meant to affect the infected in a malicious way. These programs connect your computer directly to the Internet through the modem, by way of a phone line. The point of a malicious dialer is usually to connect your phone line to an expensive toll number and then rack up exorbitant charges, with the victim being wholly unaware until the phone bill arrives.
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Identification
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Spyware is most commonly known to attack Internet browsers with poor security functions, and dialer spyware is no exception to this rule. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is most vulnerable to these types of attacks, not only because of IE's relatively easy-to-crack security codes, but simply because it is the most popular browser, and thus the one for which it is the most worthwhile to write malicious code. Dialers usually get into a victim's computer through pop up advertisements or downloadable execution programs.
Warning
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Active X, a program Internet Explorer needs to run properly and show web pages, is one of the most common ways for dialer spyware to get into a victim's computer. These security settings, if not set correctly, can allow corrupt controls to be downloaded into the computer. For this reason, it is important to surf the web with a sturdy antivirus program, as well as setting the IE security settings on Medium, at least.
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How They Work
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Spyware and malware are usually intended to steal information about a computer user's habits (and possibly even more sensitive information such as passwords and bank numbers) and deliver them back to the host. While dialer spyware works in much the same way, it instead targets the victim directly, dialing up phone numbers (which may either carry a hefty toll or be located in distant area codes) in order to bilk the victim with bogus phone charges.
How They Trick You
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There has been a surge in dialer spyware associated with the online pornography industry. More directly, unscrupulous pornography dealers draw users to their sites and then redirect them to a pay-per-view site. The user may have no idea that the site has changed, or that the new site is actually charging him for every minute he is connected. Unfortunately, because so many of these sites and their owners are located in foreign countries, it is hard for police and federal authorities to crack down and eliminate them.
Prevention/Solution
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Running a strong antivirus program is your best bet in protecting yourself from dialer spyware. Make sure to update antivirus programs regularly, as there are new types of spyware coming out every month. It is also advisable to unplug your modem from the phone line when you are away from your computer, particularly if you fear you have been infected. Finally, never download an executable file (.exe) with which you are not familiar.
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