How can I stop a website from displaying the contents of my harddrive?

[IsOs]

There are some websites that attempt to sell some kind of internet security software and the sites will show the root directory of your harddrive as proof that you're Windows system is not safe. Is there a way to stop these websites from being able to know the contents of the root directory without buying the software that they are trying to sell?

Both Windows 98 and Windows 2000 machines are currently showing the contents of my harddrive.

Any help is highly appreciated.

 

[JackMDS]

In most cases this is a bad joke, their page code issues a command that shows the root of your Hard Drive on your monitor. However the result is not transmitted over the Internet.

You can try it open the Browser and type in the address bar file://c:/

They first scare you , and then sell you snake oil.

 

[IsOs]

Thanks for the reply. That looks like the way they're doing this joke. I tried shield's up and it reported all my ports is not existing.

 

[Paulson]

Yeah, it's just a joke that opens up your hard drive contents in a frame in IE...

 

[JackMDS]

If you feel uncomfortable about such occurrences, and you should, read the folowing:

Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

The following is not an inclusive solution for protecting all Internet connection installation, but rather am attempt to help Home and SOHO users to be reasonable safe in their Internet endeavors.

It depends what you have on your computer, if you have something that is very desirable, and a "real pro" wants it, no matter what you they probably will find the way in.

In general, security issues at home and small office installations involve:

1. Unauthorized Internet traffic coming in (from the Internet to your computer).

2. Unauthorized Information going out (from your Hard Drive to some one else Web Server), AKA software calling home.

3. Accidental leakage. Firewall left disable, computer left in DMZ etc.

Unauthorized Information going out is mainly a function of "spyware" and programs that are "calling home". Unfortunately, the amount of programs that are calling home is growing by the day.

The Hardware Firewall provided by most Cable/DSL Routers, is an excellent tool. However, it mainly secures the Incoming traffic, to secure the Outgoing aspect you need to add Software firewall.

Thus, many Router owners use the combination of Hardware, Software Firewall.

A popular software firewall is Zone Alarm (Basic version free).

ZoneAlarm Download.

Norton Internet security provides very good live control on info going out (Not free).

Norton Personal Firewall 2002.

You can check your system's security by logging to the following page, scroll down, and click on Shields Up.

Gibson Default Page.

Gibson Default Page.

 

[TonitosWay]

I wonder how many sales they got from tricking people like that?

The html code is something like this:

<iframe src="c:\"></iframe>

So what's going on is everyone is seeing the contents of their own drive, that's it. It's kind of a cheesy way of scaring people into purchasing their product.