Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Etisalat Offers Anti Dialer Software to Combat Internet Dialer Scams | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat- Etisalat today announced the availability of a new software for Internet users in the UAE to alert them against Internet Dialer scams. In order to download the the new Anti Dialer software called “Etisalat Modem Protector “ which is available for free, customers can visit www.etisalat.ae and login to “manage my internet account” where they will find the modem protector under the “downloads” section

Once downloaded and installed the software automatically launches every time users start their computer. It will monitor any dial-up attempt made by the PC and alert users if there is an unauthorised attempt to dial a number outside a “safe” list of numbers. When such suspicious activity is detected a pop-up window will warn users with an alert message stating the identity of the number that their modem is attempting to dial.

While the software will alert users to the fact that they are dialing a possibly premium number, it will not automatically stop the call. Users need to be responsible for stopping or allowing the call in question.

Abdulla Hashim, Assistant General Manager, eCompany, Etisalat said: “Our aim is to help our customers get connected to the Internet and use it without fear of getting affected by malicious attempts to interfere with their usage. We are very happy to provide this additional protection for our customer’s peace of mind. The protection provided by this software is yet another reflection of the strong

customer service focus within Etisalat which is aimed at improving the Internet experience of our customers through constant value additions.”

In an Internet Dialer scam, dial up users could be downloading a “Rogue Dialer” that’s hard coded to dial international calls from their computer using their home phone line once users unwittingly click on a website offering content for free or which requires users to download a “viewer” program. Once the program is downloaded on to a user’s computer, it disconnects from the Internet connection and reconnects their telephone line to an international long-distance phone number at very high International call rates.

While the Anti Dialer software will provide additional protection, users still need to be responsible and vigilant when surfing the Internet. Users should be sceptical about clicking on content on any website which requires a download before granting access to “Free” content. Before downloading any software from the Internet, users should verify the source and read online disclosures carefully where mention of these downloads might be hidden in very inconspicuous parts of the site in small print.

Users should also periodically review the list of installed programs on their computer and remove any suspicious entries. This can be done by checking the Add/Remove Programs section of Windows to see if any Adware or Spyware is listed. Users are advised to be cautious if they are unsure of a program or its purpose. They should contact a computer professional to check and clean their computer in the event of such a situation.