Conjuring a Neutron Star from a Nanowire

WARNING to FQXi community about the post of the above advertisement!

This looks benign, but it is from a host that will insert a protocol that they will then want to sell you "service" to protect you from. About a month ago, I had a warning pop-up that lead to just such an alleged tradename Microsoft support number which I foolishly called which connected with an individual who had so thick an Indian accent that it was difficult to understand, yet called himself 'Dave Smith'. I went along with it until he repeatedly 'informed' me that I just had to allow him to install a patch and kept trying to evade my question of why should it cost me anything if he were really with Microsoft. I even informed him that I don't do any electronic banking, and he persisted in trying to sell me a 'security upgrade'. So I clicked back through a couple of the window pop-ups until I found one that had an 'END' box and shut him off. He protested on the phone that I really really needed him to have administrative command of my computer, and I said 'goodbye'. I have since received two phone calls from him, one from a different number. Then just the other day immediately after the monthly real Microsoft update, My screen locked up and my computer would not shut down. So I have spent the last two days, going to my hardcopy references and using keyboard inputs til I found a few that would activate, and only this morning have I been able to get back online. So please beware, everyone, the Information Highwaymen are at large. And If you hadn't noticed, There is nobody minding the store at FQXi, there have been daily repeated reportings of inappropriate posts from obvious bot advertisements and no blocking protocols have been installed. I have not gotten even a reply acknowledging receipt of an email to the managing director complaining about the failure of FQXi to monitor the numerous reports. AND there is no "unsubribe" option anywhere on the webpage. We are all hostage to what is apparently a money pump for a privileged few that operates FQXi as a means to pass through a tax shelter for corporate donors. And if you don't want to believe it, then why won't there be any response to this from any of the FQXi 'administrators'? John R. Cox

To John and others lured in by such offers...

My dad fell prey to this 'Microsoft Tech' ploy, while I was on vacation. It was insidious, how deep they dug themselves in. They even placed xpi files in the system folder of Mozilla Firefox, to re-direct any attempt to use other than their default (user monitoring) search page. I was able to find and remove same, by searching for files changed since the hack, and being sure to include all hidden and system files in the search. I then booted the machine from the ESET system recovery disk (you don't need to be a customer) and had the program remove all infections it found.

It is possible to recover full control over one's machine by going to tweaking dot com, and downloading the 'All-in-one Windows repair,' then following the directions. You may not need to use the full gamut, but be sure to click 'reset permissions' and 'restore important Windows services.' This program is safe to run even if all functionality appears intact, and I run it periodically to make sure that I always have full permissions to access all the content on my own machines. It is a bugger, when someone can lock you out.

Don't be too harsh on FQXi. I think they are hit as hard by the funding crunch, and as much as other sectors in the Sciences, but need to keep up appearances - in order to continue to receive funding. Go figure...

All the Best,

Jonathan

Good Luck!

Jonathan

Good to know, Johnathan, thanks. I'm writing that down, hardcopy!

Hope you are doing well, jrc