DjMagra’s stuff ‘n’ stuff

In Ireland, The Comission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) have been taking steps against the rise in dialup internet customers affected by “rogue internet diallers”. A description of these diallers follows (as taken from the Eircom.net website:

A Mini-Dialler is a software program/applet, that when run on a user’s computer, can act in two different ways, as follows:

· It can change the Dial Up Networking (DUN) settings to force the user to dial a specified number (usually a premium rate or international call) unknown to the user. It can in some cases erase the user’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) number and replace this number with it’s own. It can also create a new connection. This number is then used each time the user connects to the Internet instead of their chosen ISP number.

· The mini-dialler can force the computer to bypass Dial Up Networking settings altogether and dial to a pre-set number. This means that although the Dial Up Networking settings appear correct when the user connects to the Internet they will be dialling an incorrect number (usually an international or premium rate number).

ComReg issued a directive to the Internet Service Providers and Telecomms Providers in Ireland, which, as well as requiring ISP’s inform and advise their customers as to the dangers of these diallers, has also directed that dial access to 13 countries (mainly in the South Pacific) be blocked, unless specificially requested in order to help prevent this issue. The full press release is available here.

It would appear that Ireland are quite unique in this, and it has been making a few headlines throughout the world, such as with Reuters, the BBC, and even The New Zeland Herald