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Spyware & Virus Directory
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Dialer.Powerdial
SUMMARY
Behavior
Dialer.Powerdial is a dialer program that can be used to access pornography, by dialing a high-cost number using a modem.Symptoms
The files are detected as Dialer.Powerdial.Transmission
The most common installation method for this dialer application is through various Web sites, mainly pornographic in nature.Protection
- Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate™ Weekly) May 9, 2003
- Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater) May 8, 2003
TECHNICAL DETAILS
When this dialer is installed, it inserts an HTML file in the temporary folder, and then displays the file in the default Web browser. When the file is displayed in the browser window, you must accept the disclaimer. In the middle of the disclaimer, it states that a high-cost number will be dialed using the modem to access the content, which is mainly pornographic.
REMOVAL
- Update the virus definitions.
- Close modem connections
- Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Dialer.Powerdial.
1. Updating the virus definitions
Symantec Security Response fully tests all the virus definitions for quality assurance before they are posted to our servers. There are two ways to obtain the most recent virus definitions:
- Running LiveUpdate, which is the easiest way to obtain virus definitions: These virus definitions are posted to the LiveUpdate servers once each week (usually on Wednesdays), unless there is a major virus outbreak. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by LiveUpdate, refer to the Virus Definitions (LiveUpdate).
- Downloading the definitions using the Intelligent Updater: The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are posted on U.S. business days (Monday through Friday). You should download the definitions from the Symantec Security Response Web site and manually install them. To determine whether definitions for this threat are available by the Intelligent Updater, refer to the Virus Definitions (Intelligent Updater).
The Intelligent Updater virus definitions are available: Read "How to update virus definition files using the Intelligent Updater" for detailed instructions.
2. To close modem connections
This risk uses available modems to create an Internet connection, sometimes without any visible signs. In order to successfully remove this threat, ensure that all modem-based Internet connections are disconnected before proceeding. For instructions on how to do this, consult the appropriate Internet service provider, computer manufacturer, or operating system documentation.
3. Scanning for and deleting the infected files
- Start Norton AntiVirus and make sure that it is configured to scan all the files. For more information, read the document, "How to configure Norton AntiVirus to scan all files."
- Run a full system scan.
- If any files are detected as infected with Dialer.Powerdial, click Delete.
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