Open for suggestions

[MRB]

This site as been very helpful. Just by reading the messages posted by others I was able to network my two PC’s to router BEFSR41 from Linksys to my cable modem.
Which is a great deal for me from not having any experience prior in networking.
Now the only thing I have concerns is about security here I need same help.
On network properties in configuration I have the following:

Client for Microsoft networks
Dial up adapter
Linksys LNE 100TX Fast Ethernet adapter
IX/SPX compatible protocol Dial-up adapter
IP/SPX compatible protocol Linksys LNE 100TX Fast Ethernet adapter
NetBEUI Dial adapter
NetBEUI Linksys LNE 100TX Fast Ethernet adapter
TC/IP Dial adapter
TC/IP Linksys LNETX Fast Ethernet adapter
File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks


Since I have printer, scanner and c drives sharing with password.
I have Zone Alarm install in both PC’s on settings I have high security.

From I understand by enabling the Block WAN can prevent my network from being pinged or detected by other Internet user.

How true is my system is secure? How can I check? Is any thing should not be on settings I describe?

Thanks for any help or suggestions

MRB

[quickfoot]

Congratulations on your network.

However there is no such thing as completely secure, you can be as secure as possible without inhibiting productivity.

One of the drawbacks of software firewalls are they are relatively easily compromised if access to the computer is possible, for example someone could in theory write a virus or trojan that would remove your firewall or alter the rules so that the attacker could connect to your machine and do damage.

With a hardware firewall this is harder to do because you have to get access to the firewall.

I would recommend making sure you run antivirus software regularly (such as norton antivirus) and make sure you have the most updated definitions.

Jason

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Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

BSD is for people who love Unix -
Linux is for people who hate Microsoft

[MRB]

I believe that will be my next step when I save same $$$ do you know where I can do same reading in regardes the diferents specs. of hardware firewall.

I run antivirus software and updated regulary after that I cross my fingers and hope and pray...

Thanks for the support on network achievement

MRB

[quickfoot]

Well there are some SOHO firewalls that you can order, I saw some in a tiger magazine the other day.

The other thing you can do is get a cable/dsl router that uses NAT (d-link has one).

With NAT the router has the actual IP address and your computers have private IP addresses behind it.

This means multiple computers can access the Internet at the same time with one IP address and you are more protected because as far as everyone on the Internet is concerned you are your router, they can't even see your computers.

This is pretty good protection to have and it works well, especially when you want to share an Internet connection too, however it isn't a real firewall but it does the trick for most people.

There are some reviews on www.speedguide.net (http://www.speedguide.net) on the d-link router and a linksys one.

------------------
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

BSD is for people who love Unix -
Linux is for people who hate Microsoft

[JANDOENT]

Hey MRB, with file and print sharing enabled, you really need a hardware firewall. I put up a thread on this subject so check it and in the interim you can go here and read about binding to get an idea, Your setup will deviate somewhat but you should get an understanding then you will be able to set yours. (Always document any changes that you make so you could unchange them back! heheheh) http://grc.com/su-rebinding9x.htm
Let us know if you get into a problem. http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/wink.gif

[MRB]

cable/dsl router I have is BEFSR41 LINKSYS I believe router has the actual IP address and my computers have private IP addresses behind it.

My two computers can access the Internet at the same time with one IP address

Thanks I will check TigersDirect.com to see $$$ cost

MRB

[MRB]

Thanks JANDOENT:
I have been reading about binding to get an idea saw far liket after understanding more I am going to try since doesnt cost nothing I have been doing same reading on this site "Shields UP" about binding
.
MRB

[JANDOENT]

You can read these 2 articles as well: http://www.symantec.com/SecurityCheck/netbios.html http://cable-dsl.home.att.net/netbios.htm#ScopeID
I hope they give you an understanding of the concept. Just look at them in layers as it explains. Let us know if you haave any other questions or problems.

[JANDOENT]

Hey MRB, experimenting is a great way to learn about your computer. There is no replacement for knowledge. PLEASE remember to write down any changes that you make and have a backup disk just in case. This is very important. A router uses NAT to hide your 'puter, it isn't a true firewall. If someone knows that you are there, it doesn't do a lot to protect you. But with the combo of router and ZA, you should be OK until you can get a true firewall. Read the firewall thread that I posted to get an idea. Click on the various links and read. Knowledge is the greatest form of security. http://www.speedguide.net/ubb/wink.gif

[quickfoot]

dsl/cable routers are not actual firewalls, they use nat to pretend to be firewalls which is "good enough" for most people.

------------------
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

BSD is for people who love Unix -
Linux is for people who hate Microsoft

[JANDOENT]

Originally posted by quickfoot:
dsl/cable routers are not actual firewalls, they use nat to pretend to be firewalls which is "good enough" for most people.


Yes, their role is to keep you from being seen, however, if someone knows you are there, a router really can't give you any protection. Stealth is the security role of the router.