|
PureBytes Links
Trading Reference Links
|
Gary wrote:
> It's an INCREDIBLY good source for information and education about
> the problem
Sure is. Thanks Gary.
> Bottom line, I think it's a good idea to educate yourself about this
> very real danger, *especially* if you're on a cable modem or DSL.
Yup. I don't think most people realize that Windows File and Printer
Sharing is like loudly shouting an invitation for the whole internet to
share your computer. And, as he points out on the site, many new
computers ship with it enabled.
> Use the security-check sites to test your current vulnerability.
BUT....
<paranoid mode on>
You better make sure it's a reputable site. When you go to one of these
sites, you are inviting them into your computer and trusting them to not
do anything bad. I can't think of an easier way for a cracker to plant a
back door into your computer than through one of these sites.
<paranoid mode off>
> And seriously consider getting some protection,
> like BlackICE or ConSeal.
Agreed.
Another good site, for those who want to share a single internet
connection with several computers on a LAN, is
http://www.timhiggins.com. Things get more complicated when you do that.
First you have to make the ISP think all the traffic is coming from a
single computer and then you need to make sure you are protecting *ALL*
the computers against crackers. A simple firewall program may not be
able to handle all that.
I don't have a cable modem yet but, when I get one, a NAT/firewall box
like the U-Gate 3000 is looking pretty good. It's just a box that sits
between the LAN and the cable modem. It's about $400 but it avoids
having to use one of your computers as a NAT or proxy server and it has
a pretty idiot-proof firewall. You configure it with a web browser from
any of the computers on the LAN. Best of all, you never have to reboot
the damn thing. :-)
--
Dennis
|