Re: Question About Computer Security?
From: Todd H. (comphelp_at_toddh.net)
Date: 04/06/04
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Date: 06 Apr 2004 08:49:56 -0500
jcbond99@hotmail.com (Gordon Gekko IDCC on the Nasdaq) writes:
> > Oh yes. Running a Windows box these days without malware protection
> > is just begging for trouble. Unless of course you never connect to
> > the internet.
>
> What kind of Malware protection do you recommend
I use Norton Antivirus. While there are also lots of reasons to
dislike Symantec's non-approach to customer service, the antivirus
product seems to work. This could cause a long long subthread. :-)
> > Are you using encryption on this wireless network? If not, you're
> > giving your neighbors free shots at ya, or at the very least free
> > license to misuse your internet connection.
>
> So you mean without encryption they can look at my documents saved in
> my computer? How do I encrypt it, I believe when I set the password
> it included encryption, if not how do I do it?
Consult your wireless documentation or do a search on enabling WEP, or
preferably WPA if your hardware supports it. Firmware and driver
updates may be necessary. Getting on your wireless doesn't mean
they'll be able to see docs on your computer easily (because of the
firewall), but preventing a neighbor from trivially using your
internet connection for mischief is reason enough to implement WEP or
WPA.
> > The software firewall (if it stays up) you have will keep bad guys
> > from getting in with an attack directed at your IP address (unless
> > through a hertofore-undiscovered denial of service of attack on
> > zonealarm manages to knock it down perhaps, then leaving you
> > unprotected....but more to the the issue today is "What's stopping an
> > email bourne worm from ruining your whole day?" At this point, very
> > little if you're unsure of the state of your antivirus program.
>
> Well the zonealarm says it inspects every email, I never download
> something from an email unless it is something i specifically asked
> for from a friend or relative
What do you use to read email? If it's a POP3/IMAP client, you
download everything to your computer before you get a chance to delete
it. IF howveer you use web based mail solutions, you stand a better
chance of surviving without malware protection. But really, why risk
it when malware protection costs so little?
> > Equally important to a malware program are software updates. Have you
> > run Windows update recently and implemented the fix for every critical
> > vulnerability? What do you use to read email? If you're using an
> > email client, making sure it's updated is very important, and that its
> > security settings aren't such that untrusted items aren't run or
> > downloaded without your knowledge. What version is your web browser?
>
> Yes I always stay updated, I use Hotmail only, I have the latest
> internet explorer
Excellent.
> > Finally, how much discipline have you had with software downloaded
> > from the net? Are you running any peer to peer file sharing programs?
> > If so, it's likely you have spyware and adware on your machine that
> > may be disclosing things you aren't aware of. ANti spyware programs
> > can help clean that up. Lavasoft Ad Aware, for instance.
>
> Never use any peer to peer software, never use napster morpheus etc
> and don't plan to for that reason, only thing i have is instant
> messenger which i rarely use and don't accept downloads
Seems reasonable.
> > Securing machines these days is a real pain because there are simply
> > so many things to keep on top of to be reasonably secure.
> >
> > Best Regards,
>
> Thanks for all of your help
Seems you're fairly on top of things...but do get an antivirus program
and enable WEP or WPA on that wireless...then you'll be doing good
"due diligence" against the bad stuff.
Best Regards,
-- Todd H. http://www.toddh.net/
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