Virgin media tech knew my computer name.

r2015

My internet stopped working today and after doing the usual troubleshooting, turn the modem and computer off, then on again, I contacted virgin tech support.


After 5 minutes of, I feel happy hold music, or something that sounded like it, I got through to a tech.


He told me that he could connect to my computer and asked me if I was notrealname as he could see notrealname-PC on his screen.:eek: and if the internet was now working.

It wasn't, so he remotely reset my modem, it still did not come back, so he said he would change frequencies and other technobabble and after 5 minutes I had internet again.

How did he know my computer name and should I be concerned that my computer info can be downloaded to India or Pakistan and how can I stop my computer giving out this info?

maas

Probably found it in your router/modem device log.

suicidebob

You're connected to their servers. I would imagine them knowing the name of your PC is probably the least of your worries!

Kendall80

Unfortunately its standard practice for some ISPs. In My network places I have an unwanted O2 'computer' which I cannot remove. A little backdoor they setup without telling you so they can 'render assistance when required'. Or take complete control of your computer whenever they like.

RumRat

Kendall80 wrote: »

Unfortunately its standard practice for some ISPs. In My network places I have an unwanted O2 'computer' which I cannot remove. A little backdoor they setup without telling you so they can 'render assistance when required'. Or take complete control of your computer whenever they like.

Really? and believing that, you still keep giving them money?
ISPs can't get access to your PC unless you cooperate with the process.....

nick-nick

Nobody should be allowed to access your computer unless you initiate it.

As said if your router is using DHCP they can probably see a record in there that shows all of the computer names on the network. Just seeing the computer name isn't so much of an issue but it is how they can see it.

Are you using the default password that was on the router? They could probably login if so.

PenguinJim

r2015 wrote: »

How did he know my computer name and should I be concerned that my computer info can be downloaded to India or Pakistan and how can I stop my computer giving out this info?

What is it about India and Pakistan in particular that concerns you?

System

Hi

Perhaps if you went to grc.com and tested for open ports.

It may surprise you at what is externally visible.



Virgin do a remote reset/reboot from their end, but cannot access the router side without your 'help'. I had set a password for my own access.

I changed it to a low setting for VM to access the router/switch etc, then put it back to a high level.

System

Hi

I try and keep a low profile...


[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif,MS Sans Serif]Your computer at IP:

[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif,MS Sans Serif][SIZE=+2] 86.30.158.90 [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif,MS Sans Serif]
Is being carefully examined


[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif,MS Sans Serif][SIZE=-1]Your system has achieved a perfect "TruStealth" rating. Not a single packet — solicited or otherwise — was received from your system as a result of our security probing tests. Your system ignored and refused to reply to repeated Pings (ICMP Echo Requests). From the standpoint of the passing probes of any hacker, this machine does not exist on the Internet. Some questionable personal security systems expose their users by attempting to "counter-probe the prober", thus revealing themselves. But your system wisely remained silent in every way. Very nice.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Ant555

If the VM tech was connected to your modem/router (Superhub?) then he would be able to see the 'names', IP addresses and MAC addresses of all devices connected to it.
It might be that notrealname-pc was the only device showing so was a safe bet that was the name of the PC you were using.

Strider590

This is why I have my own modem, the ISPs own hardware has a "back door" an open port through which they can connect to your network OR force updates to the routers firmware.

It's not possible to close this port in the routers firewall, so effectively if someone knows, guesses or works out which ISP you are with, they could potentially gain access to your machines/devices.

I don't understand the OPs case though, sounds like you were being bullsh*t, because if they had access to your router, then your router must have had access to their systems, which means the problem was at their end and not yours.........

At least they didn't spout their usual carp and got you to reinstall Windows, i've had arguments with VM when they told my ex she needed to reinstall Windows on her PC, I pointed out my laptop was having the same problem, they tried to tell me to reinstall Windows on that too. Just a ploy to get rid of the customer for a few hours, by which time they'll have finished their shift.
Hence why despite the numerous phone calls and 2 junkmail letters per week, I will not go with VM.