I'm on DU last night and then this happened...

[CoffeeCat]

Last night, I was posting on DU for a while. I was reading
a thread about the weather and Hurricane Dean, when I clicked
onto a cool weather site, that a DUer recommended.

I was on the weather site for several minutes, and a message popped
up, saying that someone with the address mil.gov (it was a long
address) was doing something, possibly to find out my identity. I apologize
that I don't remember the exact wording of the message box--but it said
something about "...possobly trying to determine my identity or credentials".

The box gave me three options to click. I clicked the "x" to get the box off of my screen.

Has anyone seen a message like this? Is this just a pop-up that goads
people into clicking on it?

My laptop keeps crashing today, and it made me more curious about this
message. I wondered if the crashes had anything to do with the message.
I'm using another laptop in my home, now.

If anyone knows anything about messages like this, any info would be most helpful.

[MissWaverly]

1. I dunno, but I had something like that happen to me

I accessed the White House website that someone here had linked and it was like my hard drive was being vacuumed, I could not get off
the internet and my computer was running at turbo, I would definitely delete all cookies. Some link you went on must have
triggered it.

[wtmusic]

2. What was the weather site? nt

[grasswire]

3. maybe they were putting a keystroke thingy on your computer

Whatever it's called. It records your keystrokes. Don't want to sound paranoid here, but there is such a thing and the government does have the capability to use it.

[IDemo]

4. It sounds like your firewall is doing what it was meant to

This was probably some low-threat activity, depending on which port they were "pinging". Most firewalls will keep a log that you can refer to if you want more info, as well as telling you which pings are actually a threat to your security.

[frogcycle]

9. you are assuming the local software popped the window

if that is true, then you are right. I would think the OP would have noticed if it was McAfee or equivalent, that they knew they had running. If it was not identified as such, but seemingly from an outside source, then yours is not likely a valid conclusion

[CoffeeCat]

13. Thanks for that...

...my husband is the household "tech geek". He's out of town,
and I'm sure he'll be able to look up what it was.

I appreciate your comments.

[Maq]

5. at times I get spooked too Then I...

click onto the button at the upper right hand of the computer screen called "Tools".
When the screen comes down, I highlight the line labelled "Internet Options". I clearout ALL the history, ALL the cookies and clean the associated files.

It is quicker than running a virus program.

Gets rid of most of the garbage which slows down your computer.

works for me.

[frogcycle]

6. not enough info for a definitive answer

but without question there are scoundrels who pop up warnings to scare people into letting them in - like a vampire at the window trying to get invited in

Big flashy warnings saying your security is breached and you are at risk if you don't buy their shit RIGHT NOW. You can take it to the bank that no reputable company is out there trolling to find people "at risk" and rescue them.

I think you did the right thing. If you don't have a top-of-the-line security package, get it now and keep it up-to-date. Then trust it and never be tempted by such a solicitation. And avoid websites where such things occur.

McAfee has a website-scanner where you can have it search for risks before going to the site. I don't know if it is foolproof (well, yes I do - nothing is foolproof) but it may be some added protection.

[Balbus]

7. If I was you, I'd move. Also change my identity and that of my family's.

And it would probably be a good idea to stay away from anything that connects to the internet for the next couple of years. Why take a chance? :shrug:

[frogcycle]

10. you're such a sweetie

[CoffeeCat]

15. Awesome...

Would moving within the country to a different address be sufficient...Orrrrr should I
plan to move out of the country?

I have no problem changing my identity. My last name is Schnitzengruben, and it's very embarrassing
when they call our last name at restaurants.

Thanks for the advice. :)

[EarlG]

8. That's spyware

And it's malicious. It makes no difference which button you click to get rid of it, even clicking the "x" can be dangerous. I believe your problem is related to this:

http://www.whatpc.co.uk/vnunet/news/2191329/rogue-security-software-rise

Search on any of the following software (from the article) for more information. (But don't visit any of their "official" sites - that's asking for trouble.)

Winfixer, SpywareQuake, ErrorSafe, ErrorGuard, SpyShield, ApyAxe, SpywareNuker, Spyhealer, DriverCleaner, SystemDoctor.

Here's more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WinFixer

[sandnsea]

11. Or an advertisement for anti-spyware software

Scaring the bejeezus out of people so they will click and run the free cleaner, and then buy whatever they're pushing.

[EarlG]

12. Except in this case

just closing the ad can install the free cleaner without your consent, and the cleaner is actually a trojan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WinFixer#Typical_Infection

[wtmusic]

14. Or just dump Internet Explorer

the only browser with vulnerabilities that Winfixer can exploit.

[CoffeeCat]

16. I use Firefox...(nt)

[wtmusic]

18. Then it's not spyware

If you haven't intentionally, outside of Firefox, installed anything you've downloaded it's just a nuisance popup from one of the websites you visited or a message from your firewall.

[uppityperson]

17. RIght click on thing at bottom of screen and close them that way

Even if you click on the X, they can put stuff on your computer. The only safe way to get rid of pop-ups is to rightclick on your below screen bar, then click close there.

[bananas]

19. ErrorSafe! I got that pop-up last night! Thanks!

The pop-up looked like a real Windows message - it recommended installing a registry scanner/cleaner - I hit the close box.
I was using Opera, and blocked the website.
I'll have to double-check that I didn't get infected.
Thanks!