What is a Dialer?
A dialer is a piece of software which changes your default internet connection to an expensive phonenumber even when you have a broandband connection you can be struck by the effects of a dialer.
You get a dialer by downloading/installing it, the same way you get adware or spyware, though viruses can also contain dialers or install them. Most of the time you get dialers after visiting a site with specific content only available to you when you call a special number with your computer, after you dial the number and break the connection the dialer sets itself as the default connection. This way you can browse the net but, unknowingly, pay great ammounts of money to do so. You don't notice anything wrong, untill the next phonebill arrives.
Thing you can do to avoid dialers and the effects:
- Read the basic rules for surfing the web
- Scan your compute regularly with your antivirus program and anti spyware/adware program
- Remove our phonemodem/line when having a broadband connection
- Disable the dialing of expensive servicenumbers/contact your phone company