Expert: Scottgem - 11/16/2005

Question
OK, this is really bizzare and AOL can't help.
I use AOL version 9.0 optimized with cable modem.  I have McaFee Firewall and Privacy Service and run Mcafee Anti virus every morning. I use AOL parental controls so I know which sites my children have visited. My kids don't have access to Explorer.
Here goes: About 6 months ago, I noticed that about once a week my AOL password became invalid and had to be reset.  Lately it has become more frequent.  Now here's where it gets really crazy.
I usually don't use the drop down site list at the top of the screen. Last week I did and there were porn sites listed!!  I certainly never typed in porn sites. My children do not have access to my password but I have noticed that when one child is on HER AOL screen name listening to music and IM'ing her friends, that is when I get the porn on my screen name.  The reason I can pinpoint the time is that MCaffe privacy service has an event list of blocked site requests.  This is happening over and over so I'm probably going to drop AOL in favor of MSN. But I'm curious how something so bizzare could happen. I know my kids aren't doing it because they haven't even heard of some of the graphic things these site names portray.  Weird, huh?

Answer
You most likely have either some spyware or a password stealer on your system. This is passing your password to someone who is then using your account to surf porn sites.

I would try the trojan remover at www.simplysup.com to find and get rid of it.

HTH
Scott<>