Re: What can my browser expose over network?


<joeu2004@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1152854760.388521.14660@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What can my browser (IE or Netscape) or my system (Win XP SP2) expose
over the network? How can I determine this for myself?

I coulda sworn there is a good web site (one or more) that displays
this information. I have found ipinfo.info. But I do not believe that
is the web site I have in mind. Can anyone suggest other such web
sites? What keywords could I use to find those web sites using a
Google search?

I am particularly concerned about exposing the computer name over the
network, not because it can be exploited, but because some people put
private information in the computer (e.g. full name).

For example, as I recall, a proprietary MS or NetBIOS protocol does
broadcast the computer name. I believe this is intended for
"workgroups". But in my case (single PC), it is transmitted to my ISP.
I believe I blocked that protocol using NIS Personal Firewall, with no
deleterious side-effects. (I am not near my computer now, so I cannot
check.)

The computer name should be considered public information and should not
contain any sensitive information.

I agree that what a browser can tell a hostile web site varies depending on
what the web site does. However, your chances of surfing to such a hostile
web site that takes your personal info from your computer and does something
with it, via the browser, are very very low. Browser exploits are not the
most common form of hacking and loss of personal data. Viruses spreading
via email attachments and network vulnerability worms are.

I think you're overthinking this. For home users, it is generally
sufficient to secure your computer by using a firewall, antivirus, and
making sure you are receiving Microsoft security patches regularly. That's
generally Microsoft's advice.


.

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