CmderTaco's Journal: Slashdot trolls under attack!!

Greetings comrades!

As if the latest slashcode karma-based limitations weren't enough, a new disaster has fallen on us trolls, under the name of fyodor. This.. thing. is lifeless as a troll, but instead of investing his energy on constructive things like crapflooding and flamethrowing, he wants to spread fear and uncertainty inside our trolls community!

That thing invaded the computer of Comrade Sdem (who is my small freak list for some reason) using some nasty backorifice-like program, and posted screenshots from that computer on insecure.org (those pictures were removed after Sdem apologized for calling Fyodor "wanker".. geeze.. what kind of person is that Fyodor? Doesn't he wank? People who avoid mastrubation turn out to do worse stuff, like peeping on children).

What to do?

• Seal you OS. If you're using Windows, check WindowsUpdate periodically to check if there are new updates you should download. Widnows 2K and XP also warn you about new vulnerabilities if you install the recent service packs. Also, If you're using an NT-based OS (NT, 2K, XP), you might want to use this tool. It scans the MS-components in your system and notifies you about any necessary updates. If you're using another OS.. well.. you're screwed. :) You'll have to check the homepage of every server and known clients (email, web, IRC) you're using, for security holes.
• Mind your IP while chatting. Although the IRC server of the Troll community hashes the IP, don't let that fool you. The admins can still know what's your IP. Also, people can still find it by initiating a DCC chat with you. So.. handle with care. Use a bouncer when you connect to untrustable servers, or don't connect at all.
• Mind your IP on the web. Use a proxy (like your ISP proxy) when posting stuff...

Keep those simple rules and you'll be safe.
Farewell and may Trollithicus be with you.

Updated December 08 2002: Added more information about security