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hj3 · Sep 13, 2007, 11:51 AM

Hello:

I recently downloaded a trial software program . I downloaded it off a p2p so I could try out the program before fully deciding to purchase it. I installed the program and am running my trial now (I got 30 days - well 29 now to be exact). However, I'm wondering... You know how when you start a program, the box comes up with the program name, and credits. Well, before that box comes up, I get a box that comes up and stays up for, roughly 3 seconds, then it disappears. In that box is a graphic of a skull & crossbones with some graffiti-esque writing. As soon as that box disappears, the software programs box comes up with the name of the program, credits, etc. & then the program runs like normal. However, that little box before the program name is making me nervous. Does that mean that perhaps a hacker or spammer placed the trial software for download, simply to break into peoples computers, or even worst - spy on what that person is doing within the software program itself while the person is doing work in the program? Or worst? Or do I simply have nothing to worry about and that that little box is simply that persons tag or claim that that program is theirs or something like that. I've heard & read about a lot of cases where spammers and hackers cleverly got into peoples computers so I need to know. Thank you & have a good day:)

NeedKarma · Sep 13, 2007, 11:57 AM

If you got from p2p then it's one of two things: a message from the people who cracked the program or you have indeed installed a trojan that came bundled with the installer. When you gets programs from p2p you always takes your chances with this kind of event.

hj3 · Sep 13, 2007, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

If you got from p2p then it's one of two things: a message from the people who cracked the program or you have indeed installed a trojan that came bundled with the installer. When you gets programs from p2p you always takes your chances with this kind of event.

Hmmmm... oh boy. Now - I have symantec on my computer. Would that be able to detect trojans or anything like that? Or could there be the possibility that they've created something so sophisticated, that my symantec won't be able to detect it?

hj3 · Sep 13, 2007, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by hj3

hmmmm...oh boy. Now - I have symantec on my computer. Would that be able to detect trojans or anything like that? or could there be the possibility that they've created something so sophisticated, that my symantec won't be able to detect it?

If it helps - I downloaded off bitTorrent. Is this p2p known as a space where people send trojans or would bitTorrent filter that stuff out?

NeedKarma · Sep 13, 2007, 12:12 PM

Torrent files are generally safer depending on where you get your trackers from. Norton AV should pick up a trojan once the file is downloaded. Perhaps it is just a brag screen from the crackers. Best to do an AV update and complete scan.

hj3 · Sep 13, 2007, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Torrent files are generally safer depending on where you get your trackers from. Norton AV should pick up a trojan once the file is downloaded. Perhaps it is just a brag screen from the crackers. Best to do an AV update and complete scan.

O. I see. Hehehehe. Now I think I understand why the wring is in graffiti! :) Any way I will do a complete AV Update and scan. I'll keep you posted and let you know the result. Thank you & have a good day:)