Slow Forums: PF Under DDOS Attack

[nismaratwork]

Those malicious packets would technically be considered a separate kind of attack though, wouldn't they? The DDoS in that case would just be a diversion or something to make the system more vulnerable.

And now my devilish curiosity is curious about those "ways" of which you speak, though I'd better stop, lest I fall under suspicion for future attacks.

Heh... quick thinker aren't you? Yes, it can be a separate attack, often to initiate a stack overflow, and allow malicious code to run on. There are other ways, but you'll have to satisfy your devilish curiosity without me, when I left this behind, I really left it behind.

Either that, or something who just doesn't give a damn and just likes to cause grief¹.

BINGO! That is the essence of the scrit kiddy... a lack of foresight and empathy, but quick on trigger as though this was nothing. It's absurd behaviour, but not uncommon.

That image is going to need a bit of explaining.

Look up, "Glider" and "Universal Hacker Logo" on google, and you'll learn all that you need, and some interesting bits besides that have nothin to do with hacking or griefing.

And yeah, script kiddies suck. Every game's got those idiots who think they're badass hackers just because they can use a Gameshark or something like that, when they don't even know the first bit about how those things even work.

Amen.

¹ Like that stupid "I before E / except after C / or when sounding like A / as in 'neighbor' and 'weigh'" rule which DOESN'T COVER "WEIRD"! I hate that word! Stupid English.

Yep, English is an insane language... I love it at least in part for its absurdist turns.

 

[dlgoff]

assuming the ongoing attack is prohibiting me from reaching PF on my PC?

I wish I could help you with this. Hopefully the attack will end and you will be able to get back on with your PC.

 

[Evo]

I wish I could help you with this. Hopefully the attack will end and you will be able to get back on with your PC.

Perhaps his PC is a zombie involved in the attack and he's being blocked.

 

[nismaratwork]

Perhaps his PC is a zombie involved in the attack and he's being blocked.

Hmmm... if Greg had to block subnets, it doesn't even have to his IP or computer, just a general region...

 

[Insanity]

i considered that, i could get here via a proxy, but couldn't log on.

i use two AV and spyware software, i will do a complete updated scan with them.

 

[dlgoff]

Perhaps his PC is a zombie involved in the attack and he's being blocked.

Wow. I know nothing about this kind of thing. I went with other members advice to use avast.

 

[jhae2.718]

Linux

I wonder how long the attacks will continue. I was rather surprised (and extremely annoyed!) when the attack started on Sunday.

I've always wanted a firewall that traces incoming attacks and launches retaliatory strikes (launch the alert Vipers!), but I guess that http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0212.html#1".

Regarding the image, for those not familiar with Conway's Game of Life: http://www.conwaylife.com/wiki/index.php?title=Glider

Be careful, there are people here at Physics Forums who know how to construct http://www.conwaylife.com/wiki/index.php?title=Glider_gun! (I spent far too much time using simulations of cellular automata in high school...)

 

[nismaratwork]

Linux

I wonder how long the attacks will continue. I was rather surprised (and extremely annoyed!) when the attack started on Sunday.

I've always wanted a firewall that traces incoming attacks and launches retaliatory strikes (launch the alert Vipers!), but I guess that http://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram-0212.html#1".

Regarding the image, for those not familiar with Conway's Game of Life: http://www.conwaylife.com/wiki/index.php?title=Glider

Be careful, there are people here at Physics Forums who know how to construct http://www.conwaylife.com/wiki/index.php?title=Glider_gun! (I spent far too much time using simulations of cellular automata in high school...)

Don't shoot! I'm not armed with self-replicating gliders!

@dlgoff: Given what you just said, Avast! is a very good choice... are you using their firewall as well?

 

[dlgoff]

@dlgoff: Given what you just said, Avast! is a very good choice... are you using their firewall as well?

Yes.

They seem to be on top of things when it comes to getting current definitions updates. i.e. Sometimes several updates in one day.

 

[nismaratwork]

Yes.

They seem to be on top of things when it comes to getting current definitions updates. i.e. Sometimes several updates in one day.

Good, then you're in fine shape, and I'm glad to hear it. Remember, your AV program is only as good as its last update.

 

[Insanity]

any suggestions on seeing if you are hijacked? willing to see if that's the case, might sense to target frequent users. don't know, just saying.

 

[nismaratwork]

any suggestions on seeing if you are hijacked? willing to see if that's the case, might sense to target frequent users. don't know, just saying.

I'd recommend a firewall... Commodo might suit you well, but an AV scan should do it Insanity.

Most of these are not that cleverly hidden, they just dig out a bit of your HD, and run a process in the background. Without going into clinical detail, a firewall that monitors incoming AND outgoing activity is good, as well as a process monitor.

Still, if you've done a full boot scan, and HD/other scan... and it's clean, you're probably clean.

Most people notice that they connection becomes sluggish if they're sending DOS packets, unless the script kiddy had the wit to limit what each zombie sends at any given time.

 

[Insanity]

connection does not seem slow to anu other sites. still doing scans on both PCs. probably take the night.

 

[nismaratwork]

connection does not seem slow to anu other sites. still doing scans on both PCs. probably take the night.

It's my educated guess, wild though it may be, that your problems with PF are not the result of your computer being infected. Still, it never hurts to scan, and you may find some malware that in some odd way is giving you 'agita'.

Let us know what the results are, would you? I'd like to help you if at all possible, and if there is a need.

 

[Insanity]

Well, the scan on my laptop were clean, still doing virus scan on desktop, but probably unneeded as just now I am able to get to PF on my laptop, which is my primary PC.

I couldn't get here on either before. Not sure what the issue was, but subscribing to the belief it wasn't me.

Attacks still ongoing by chance?

 

[nismaratwork]

Well, the scan on my laptop were clean, still doing virus scan on desktop, but probably unneeded as just now I am able to get to PF on my laptop, which is my primary PC.

I couldn't get here on either before. Not sure what the issue was, but subscribing to the belief it wasn't me.

Attacks still ongoing by chance?

I'm glad your scan was clean, always a good thing. I'd assume the attack is ongoing, but still petering out as per my description earlier. Greg would know however, I'm just guessing... I doubt the attack has been renewed, and if it has then Greg should be laughing so hard at blocking it that he might not be able to type.

 

[Insanity]

I was doubtful I'd have anything, software is always doing real-time check against any downloads and sites, but never know. Anywho, glad I can get here now, easier to type on keyboard vs. tapping on phone.

 

[dlgoff]

I was doubtful I'd have anything, software is always doing real-time check against any downloads and sites, but never know. Anywho, glad I can get here now, easier to type on keyboard vs. tapping on phone.

Good news! Welcome back to using a real keyboard.

 

[nismaratwork]

Good news! Welcome back to using a real keyboard.

Oh man... I hear you... how the hell do people text so MUCH? I'm not particularly old, but give me a damned keyboard PLEASE...

 

[dlgoff]

Oh man... I hear you... how the hell do people text so MUCH? I'm not particularly old, but give me a damned keyboard PLEASE...

Also; give me a real mouse anytime over those laptop touch thingies.

 

[nismaratwork]

Also; give me a real mouse anytime over those laptop touch thingies.

YES! Oh.. I LOATE touchpad 'mouses'... bluetooth mice are the best thing to happen to laptops since batteries that last for more than picosecond.

 

[Insanity]

I agree, bluetooth mouse, real keyboard, I even have an USB numpad for when punching a bunch of numbers.

 

[nismaratwork]

I agree, bluetooth mouse, real keyboard, I even have an USB numpad for when punching a bunch of numbers.

Amen brother!

I still have a fold-out keyboard for my phone... and damn the stares.

 

[Insanity]

ever seen something like this?

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=6766

still relatively new I think, but innovative for sure.

 

[Lancelot59]

ever seen something like this?

http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/
http://www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=6766

still relatively new I think, but innovative for sure.

I saw a laser keyboard for sale on thinkgeek. I'm not sure how effective it would be though.

 

[nismaratwork]

I saw a laser keyboard for sale on thinkgeek. I'm not sure how effective it would be though.

It hurts like a bastard when you forget that you're slapping fingers on a table...

 

[FtlIsAwesome]

Yep, I saw it on thinkgeek.

 

[Jiggy-Ninja]

Oh man... I hear you... how the hell do people text so MUCH? I'm not particularly old, but give me a damned keyboard PLEASE...

A lot of phones now do have keyboards. The stupid buttons are just a bit too small for my giant hands though.

 

[nismaratwork]

A lot of phones now do have keyboards. The stupid buttons are just a bit too small for my giant hands though.

I know... I'm not sure what elfin hand those things are made for, but not your's or mine it seems! My texts sound like I'm trying to type with 'my left foot'.


Oh, except Daniel Day Lewis actually managed the trick of it, and it seems I never will. Voice input please...

 

[jhae2.718]

Is the DDOS still ongoing?

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Is the DDOS still ongoing?

yes it is

 

[dlgoff]

yes it is

Things seem to be running okay here. I hope you will continue to stay on top of it.

Thanks Greg

 

[OmCheeto]

yes it is

It's not me is it?

I thought macs where immune to such things.

hmm...

first day I brought my macbook out to play, a hacker friend grabbed it away from me and said; "Oh! a mac. Let me check something. 'clickity clickity clickity'. Ok Om, everything is fine, continue on with your life, as if nothing is being monitored... "



I'm not a zombie am I?

He does have several high powered servers running in the heart of Montana, from what he's claimed.

 

[nismaratwork]

It's not me is it?

I thought macs where immune to such things.

hmm...

first day I brought my macbook out to play, a hacker friend grabbed it away from me and said; "Oh! a mac. Let me check something. 'clickity clickity clickity'. Ok Om, everything is fine, continue on with your life, as if nothing is being monitored... "



I'm not a zombie am I?

He does have several high powered servers running in the heart of Montana, from what he's claimed.

Do you crave brains?

@Greg: You've done this... you know you have... I've LITERALLY been this guy.

I think for DDOS that should be a kick in the grapes, but I'm a known 'harsh' element.

 

[jhae2.718]

I like that a lot.

 

[FtlIsAwesome]

The site was sluggish just a minute ago for me. Something to do with the DDoS attack?

 

[nismaratwork]

The site was sluggish just a minute ago for me. Something to do with the DDoS attack?

Sorry, that was me... I um... pooped on your modem.

 

[FtlIsAwesome]

What??

 

[nismaratwork]

What??

Sorry, did I type that out loud?

Just kidding man, I'm having no trouble, if the DDOS is ongoing, Greg is owning it.

 

[fluidistic]

Still slow for me for some pages.

 

[nismaratwork]

Still slow for me for some pages.

Really? Smooth as silk here...


I can't imagine that even a script kiddy would be so stupid to keep renewing a failed DDOS.

Then again, stupidity is a many splendored thing...

 

[Char. Limit]

Really? Smooth as silk here...


I can't imagine that even a script kiddy would be so stupid to keep renewing a failed DDOS.

Then again, stupidity is a many splendored thing...

Smooth here too. And I'm using a dorm connection, so smoothness is exceptional.

 

[nismaratwork]

Smooth here too. And I'm using a dorm connection, so smoothness is exceptional.

OK, we've exceeded our limit for "smooth" in two posts.

Still, I remember dorm connections... always clogged when you'd expect them to be.

 

[dlgoff]

... I remember dorm connections... always clogged when you'd expect them to be.

At least you didn't have to punch cards to get a connection like I had to.

 

[FtlIsAwesome]

I can't imagine that even a script kiddy would be so stupid to keep renewing a failed DDOS.

I can.

Then again, stupidity is a many splendored thing...

That's a signature.

 

[nismaratwork]

At least you didn't have to punch cards to get a connection like I had to.

Heh, this is true, I had floppy floppy discs, and I remember no HD, but punch-cards are mercifully not in my retinue. My uncle however recounted a time when he dropped a stack... I gather it's not a desireable outcome.

@Fit: Yeah, I guess I can too... *sigh*

 

[AlephZero]

Heh, this is true, I had floppy floppy discs, and I remember no HD, but punch-cards are mercifully not in my retinue. My uncle however recounted a time when he dropped a stack... I gather it's not a desireable outcome.

Yeah, but it was a better excuse that "my dog ate my homework".

Believe it or not, we used to ship computer programs to customers around the world by courier as packs of punched cards back in the 1970s. It was much more reliable than messing about with 12 inch diameter reels of magnetic tape.

 

[Jonathan Scott]

Heh, this is true, I had floppy floppy discs, and I remember no HD, but punch-cards are mercifully not in my retinue. My uncle however recounted a time when he dropped a stack... I gather it's not a desireable outcome.

At least if you drop a stack you know you have a problem.

When I was writing a program directly on cards in about 1973 I didn't realize that the IBM card reader had a a clever trick by which it would occasionally switch two cards round in the output stack, so I'd correct some problem elsewhere and gain a new one, and I couldn't at first get anyone to believe me that my deck had come back out of sequence. By staring at it very hard we eventually worked out that if the card happened to be slightly curved backwards, then sometimes one would catch on the edge of a clip on the way out of the punch and bounce back in such a way that the next card would overtake it. (The out of sequence card also had a slightly flattened edge at the level of the clip which confirmed it). Easily fixed by moving the clip once we knew, just in time to prevent a nervous breakdown.

We used the trick of drawing sloping pencil lines on the side of the card deck to make it easy to spot cards out of sequence and even to help put them back in sequence after dropping them.

 

[nismaratwork]

At least if you drop a stack you know you have a problem.

When I was writing a program directly on cards in about 1973 I didn't realize that the IBM card reader had a a clever trick by which it would occasionally switch two cards round in the output stack, so I'd correct some problem elsewhere and gain a new one, and I couldn't at first get anyone to believe me that my deck had come back out of sequence. By staring at it very hard we eventually worked out that if the card happened to be slightly curved backwards, then sometimes one would catch on the edge of a clip on the way out of the punch and bounce back in such a way that the next card would overtake it. (The out of sequence card also had a slightly flattened edge at the level of the clip which confirmed it). Easily fixed by moving the clip once we knew, just in time to prevent a nervous breakdown.

We used the trick of drawing sloping pencil lines on the side of the card deck to make it easy to spot cards out of sequence and even to help put them back in sequence after dropping them.

Wow, now THAT is true hacking. What a miserable experience it sounds like, but thanks for helping to get us *waves hands around PF* here.

 

[Borek]

We used the trick of drawing sloping pencil lines on the side of the card deck to make it easy to spot cards out of sequence and even to help put them back in sequence after dropping them.

Couldn't you tell me that 30 years ago