What software do you have installed to enhance security while online ?

[bob999]

Security as well as privacy.

[mnosteele52]

bob999 I have to tell you, you make me laugh I'm not trying to joke you but just about every post of yours is about online security or privacy, are you that worried? Just use a good firewall, AV app and run Ad Aware regularly and you are ok. The only 100% sure fire way to be safe is stay off the internet. Please don't take this the wrong way, it's just funny to me about how worried you are - Conspiracy Theory?

[Dakota]

That's so funny, mnosteele52! I was going to post about the same thing the last 5 posts that Bob made. Almost all his posts are questions concerning security.

Bob: Quit being so paranoid. You're on dialup anyway. I wouldn't even bother with a firewall either. If you're that paranoid then quit logging onto the net. You're NEVER 100% secure on the Net. NEVER.

[bob999]

dont worry ...i admit its pretty funny as well. i can tell you why im worried so much about security and privacy...( 2 months ago I didnt even think about it ). Basically my system was hacked into, had many probs and after that i researched sec very diligently. so thats why....i want my comp to have many layers of security now...to prevent future occs.

[twisted]

Hi bob999. I use Zone Alarm Pro, Norton AV 2002, and i also run behind a Netgear FR314 Firewall Router. When I first got hooked up to a cable modem, I became very paranoid about security. Although I realize that I can NEVER be totally secure, I feel comfortabe with my setup and don't even think about security anymore. I just make sure my versions of ZAP and NAV are current (with updated virus definitions) and the firmware on my firewall/router is also up-to-date.

[greEd]

now im wondering also .... do you have something of interest on your system? maybe I should break into the sg sql database, look up your ip and have a look around. just kidding.

[bob999]

I just tried Spybot and it found ' IAmBigBrother' on my computer ...no idea how it got here .

[Dakota]

Hmmm....You spending alot of time on Kazaa? IRC? Something along those lines? I have been a computer geek since 1981, been on the Net since 1992, and can count the virii I have had on one hand. And still have fingers left over. And I do go places that would probably make you cringe with all your security "awareness" I'll call it.

I use ZAPro, NAV2002 and am behind a NetGear RT314 router. I get no hits from anyone. All the spurious crap is handled by the router.

Before I got the router, ZAPro would be blocking all kindsa crap. I finally got to where I just ignored them all and kept no logs.

[Dakota]

Originally posted by bob999
Basically my system was hacked into...

I'm curious...How do you know your system was hacked into?

[twisted]

I agree with Dakota...I never get a hit on ZAP since using the firewall router mentioned above. Perhaps a set up similar to ours will help with your concern over security.

[Ken]

Honestly, I don't use a software firewall anymore...
I use hardware and tweaked my box pretty tight...
I run Norton Corp AV real time, AdAware on occassions, keep on top of my registry and use good browser security settings...

Bob,
You are doing right by asking questions! Knowledge is your best defense...

[Dakota]

Ken: How do you prevent stuff from going out without your knowledge? And just FYI, we were not slamming Bob for asking questions. We're just curious why so many. And a good test of his sense of humor and you passed with flying colors, Bob!

[mnosteele52]

Yeah I wasn't trying to slam him at all, since you are on 56K it's very odd that someone actually hacked into your pc. To be safe I would suggest the following:

1. Use Sygate Personal Firewall Pro and set the "stealth browsing" feature.

2. Use Norton Antivirus 2002 or 2003 (just came out) with the hueristics setting to high.

3. Use Pest Patrol - much better than Ad Aware and finds more than just spyware.

4. Disable file and printer sharing.

5. Set your browser (IE6) to block ALL third party cookies.

6. Use an app such as Window Washer to clear out your temp files and cookies regularly.

I'm like Ken, I use a router with a NAT firewall and have never had a problem, I also use NAV 2002, Pest Patrol & Window Washer.