Going Postal

From: brandall2 (brandall2@rogers.com)
To: root@attrition.org
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2003 17:58:53 -0500
Subject: Wild security situation!

My apologies if this question is misdirected. I just have no idea where to turn. 
Please don't dismiss me as a crazy person. My computer has been hacked (I have minimal 
computer skills/interest) but what's worse is my activities seem to be visible to the 
invaders EVEN WHILE MY MODUM IS UNPLUGGED! Also they appear able to hear music I play on 
a cd playersitting on my desk that isn't hooked up to the computer at all! (I added the 
walkman when it became apparent they were listening to my computer cd player. The portable 
one's normally just attached to a wall electrical outlet with an adaptor to save batteries; 
I've made little tests to see if they can even hear itwith batteries only but so far I can't tell.)

Everyone I've asked has told me these things are impossible! BUT THEY'RE HAPPENING, I'm sure 
of it! Is there ANYONE who could answer my question other than yourself? I've looked at any 
number of web pages dealing with computer security but get almost immediately bogged down 
in the jargon. Also, they invariably seem to focus on INTERNET or network security, whereas my 
problem is OFFline, all by my self, at home. I can live with feeIing watched and inhibited 
while connected to the server and/or internet, but THIS? I may as well trade in my word 
processor for pen and paper! I don't need a tech sermon- just a yes or no, then I can at least 
decide whether to see a debugger or a shrink! Thanks for anything you can provide.

Kathy Randall

From: security curmudgeon (jericho@attrition.org)
To: brandall2 (brandall2@rogers.com)
Cc: Heathens (staff@attrition.org)
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 07:30:04 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: Wild security situation!

: My apologies if this question is misdirected. I just have no idea where
: to turn. Please don't dismiss me as a crazy person. My computer has been
: hacked (I have minimal computer skills/interest) but what's worse is my
: activities seem to be visible to the invaders EVEN WHILE MY MODUM IS
: UNPLUGGED! Also they appear able to hear music I play on a cd player
: sitting on my desk that isn't hooked up to the computer at all! (I added
: the walkman when it became apparent they were listening to my computer
: cd player. The portable one's normally just attached to a wall
: electrical outlet with an adaptor to save batteries; I've made little
: tests to see if they can even hear itwith batteries only but so far I
: can't tell.)
:
: Everyone I've asked has told me these things are impossible! BUT THEY'RE
: HAPPENING, I'm sure of it! Is there ANYONE who could answer my question

Based on what you've said, the others are right. It is impossible. There
is something else going on here that you aren't telling them, perhaps
because you don't know its relevant. Or perhaps you are letting your
paranoia get to you a bit much.

: Also, they invariably seem to focus on INTERNET or network security,
: whereas my problem is OFFline, all by my self, at home. I can live with
: feeIing watched and inhibited while connected to the server and/or
: internet, but THIS? I may as well trade in my word processor for pen and

If it truly happens while offline, then then it is due to physical devices
planted at your house and broadcasting the signal to a van or nearby
house.

From: brandall2 (brandall2@rogers.com)
To: security curmudgeon (jericho@attrition.org)
Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 18:49:02 -0500
Subject: Re: Wild security situation!

Thanks kindly for your reply. The presence of physical devices transmitting
to a nearby surveillance unit seems highly unlikely, so forgive me for
asking one last question.

I had some private ramblings on my word processor which might have been
interpreted as an intention to commit a terrorist act. If this had been
mistaken as serious by the first-level hacker/s, might this make a
difference in your appraisal of my security situation and the sophistication
level of the spyware that may have come into play? Thanks again, Kathy

From: security curmudgeon (jericho@attrition.org)
To: brandall2 (brandall2@rogers.com)
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 01:39:04 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: Wild security situation!

: Thanks kindly for your reply. The presence of physical devices
: transmitting to a nearby surveillance unit seems highly unlikely, so
: forgive me for asking one last question.
:
: I had some private ramblings on my word processor which might have been
: interpreted as an intention to commit a terrorist act. If this had been
: mistaken as serious by the first-level hacker/s, might this make a
: difference in your appraisal of my security situation and the
: sophistication level of the spyware that may have come into play? Thanks
: again, Kathy

Still doesn't explain any of what you describe.