Computing (FOLDOC) dictionary
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security (Or "wardialer") A program which uses a
modem to
dial a series of phone numbers (say, from 770-0000 to
770-9999), and keeps a log of what phone numbers answer with a
modem
carrier. The results of such a search were generally
used by people looking to engage in
random mischief in
Since the 1980s, wardialers have generally fallen into disuse,
partly because of easily available "
caller ID" technology,
partly because fax machines are now in wide use and would
often be logged as a
carrier by a wardialer, and partly
because there are so many new and more interesting venues for
computerised mischief these days.
(1997-03-16)