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#1
need help understanding computer hijack
A friend had his computer hijacked. If it happened the way he says I don't understand it at all, and the implications are very scary. Can anyone explain this?
Here's what he says happened: The phone rang and my friend (I'll call him John) answered. The caller (I'll call Crook) told John that he (John) was owed a refund on some fictional recent computer repair he'd had done. John realized this was some sort of a scam, but instead of hanging up kept on talking to Crook. Crook seemed interested intwo things, 1) in making sure that John was near his computer, and, 2) in keeping John on the line by giving him long pieces of information that he says were necessary for John to claim his "refund."
After a few minutes, with no more interaction than talking over the phone, a message appeared on John's computer indicating that it had been hijacked. Crook then told John over the phone that the computer was frozen and that John would have to pay to regain access to his computer. John said "no," (words tothat effect) and hung up (finally!).
Some additional info: --At no time did John give Crook any information about his computer, nor did John enter into his computer any information given by Crook.--John's internet and phone provider is Comcast. --John's OS is Windows (not sure which version). --Anti-malware software may or may not have been up-to-date, not sure. --Interestingly, Crook had someone with him in the same room while talking to John (I'm not sure how John knew this).
Here's another wrinkle that may be significant or may be a total red herring: In trying to regain access to his computer John took it to a local repair shop he had used before. They were completely unsuccessful in cracking the locked system. John then sent the HD only to tech-savvy relative who mounted the disk and retrieved the files.
So, please... what actually happened here? Is it really this easy for someone to gain access to another's computer? And what is the best defense to such an attack?
Thanksfor any enlightenment!