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FlowerPower
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Insufficient security? - 7/18/2005 0:53:15
I've just got a new broadband connection. I used to have ADSL in my home country, but have been living abroad for two years and have just used dial-up. However, I've just got cable now, and whenever I turn on the computer, I also connect to the Internet, which concerns me a bit in terms of security. I don't know how much reason I have to be concerned...
I have XP with all updates and it's firewall. I have Norton 2002 and I use Ad-Aware on a regular basis. However, is this enough? I scan on a very regular basis, and occasionally find some tracking cookies and the very occasional virus, but I'm wondering how realistic it is to worry about other forms of intrusion, and am considering upgrading to Norton 2005.
Would love to hear some perspectives, and any hints on good software.
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FlowerPower
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/18/2005 7:54:03
Thanks guys. The first part just referred to the fact that I'm always online whenever the computer is on (most of the day). Just figured there might be increased risk because of that - I don't know.
As for other software, I'll look into it. Didn't know how AVG rated compared with Norton - I have AVG on my laptop, but only free version. I also have Spybot S&D, but have noticed there never seems to be any updates (has only had updates twice in the last year, I think). I guess it may have to do with the fact that it's free?
I don't think I've had any serious nasties - just these tracking cookies and a few Trojans that have been caught either by AdAware (when I scan) or Norton (during scan or stopped when incoming). I'm just a bit concerned, seeing as I do online banking etc. Don't want any important info intercepted.
Thanks for all the hints - will look into it carefully!
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mywebmaster
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/19/2005 10:59:07
My friend, security is always a core issue for windows users. And I can feel your concerns about it. But only you can do is to protect your system by applying anti-spyware tools, antivirus, firewalls. I am using Norton Internet Security 2005, it also contains norton anti-virus 2005. So they really take care of known viruses and spywares. So go for it.
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dpf
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From: India-napolis
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/19/2005 12:02:44
quote:
Take a look at AVG, there's a free version but you can upgrade to paid. after using the free version, I am happy and ready to upgrade.... the drawback of the free version is that you cannot schedule scans - it does mine every day including an attached external drive that I only write to oncea week so I am paying for the upgrade to gain control over that.
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clum1
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/19/2005 17:42:19
The free version of AVG I have allows me to schedule scans and updates; it's been excellent for me and I recommend it to all my clients. For further peace of mind, I'd suggest installing a cheap ADSL router to replace the standard USB modems that most ISPs supply. They usually have a built-in firewall and NAT for added security.
I've used a few from 3Com and D-Link and found them all to be pretty good. Here in the UK, they're available with ADSL modem, 4 or 5 port ethernet switch and WiFi access built in for around £60. Many of them also come in packages with free PCMCIA or USB wifi cards for added flexibility. They're usually a doddle to set up (done through a browser) as long as you remember to change the default password!
clum
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"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
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clum1
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 7:57:52
quote:
Can stuff actually get to your machine when it's switched off? Can it sit "in the cable modem" and wait for the machine to be switched on?
No!!! Things aren't that bad...
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"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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clum1
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 8:56:51
With free USB wi-fi network card or with a PCMCIA (Laptop) card instead. Or you can have it with neither, all for £50 ex VAT.
- ADSL modem
- 4 Port ethernet switch
- 802.11g wireless access point
- Firewall with NAT
- Easy set up through browser.
And no, I don't work for Misco; Inmac probably do it for a similar price....
cheers
Calum
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kenilweb.com; simple, effective web design
"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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clum1
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 9:18:21
Good questions; I'm not sure though! This box will plug into a normal RJ11 socket (US telephone / modem shaped adaptor) and connects with your username, password and other info to your ISP. I'd check thier online FAQ/ tech support to see if it does. Assuming it works, it does replace the cable modem; your PC(s) then plugs into one of the ethernet ports, so your PC needs a network card (you cold use the supplied USB wifi one if it doesn't).
So far I've only used it for BT and Bulldog ADSL.
Calum
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kenilweb.com; simple, effective web design
"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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Tailslide
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 9:35:43
I think Donkey is like me in that he has a cable connection via the same sort of box that the cable TV comes in from rather than down a phone line.
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clum1
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From: Glasgow, Scotland
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 9:48:30
Hmm. Maybe this would be more the thing, though I couldn't be certain...
An old PC with two network cards, running on Linux, tends to be the techie way to do it, though it's not for the faint-hearted. The Netgear device is doing pretty much the same thing.
Calum
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kenilweb.com; simple, effective web design
"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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Tailslide
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 10:03:02
Scary. I had enough problems getting the wireless router to work for my laptop! Plug'n'play my ar**!
That's very useful info Calum - thanks for digging it up.
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clum1
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From: Glasgow, Scotland
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 10:15:45
I've set up a few wireless access points and routers now and not one of them has told me to change the admin password or take other security measures. It's only through being cautious and having a reasonable working knowledge of these things that I've taken these steps. As a basic minimum, you should:
- change the default admin password
- set it not to broadcast the SSID
- enable encryption; wep or preferably wpa
Of course the most secure wireless network is one that is switched off, but then how would you surf Outfront in the garden?
calum
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kenilweb.com; simple, effective web design
"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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Tailslide
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 10:24:02
I made sure I set up passwords, switched off the broadcasting SSID and enabled encryption - I'm amazed that people still don't do this, it says to do so all over the instructions (that wasn't the problem for me!).
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"My strategy is so simple an idiot could have devised it"
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clum1
Posts: 758
From: Glasgow, Scotland
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 10:31:24
My one problem with the D-Link setup is the following: "The default password is Admin. You can change this later"
How many people just think "Sure will..."
Change this now! now! now!
After you've fought with it for three hours, finally have it running correctly, the last thing you want to do is potentially ruin everything by making another change,
Calum
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kenilweb.com; simple, effective web design
"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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Tailslide
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 10:34:32
Yeah I see what you mean. Of course the other worry is that one of the first things you do when the wireless system goes bluey is to take off all the encryption to check it's working straight through - then you've got to remember to switch it back on again three hours later when you've got it working again!
It would be so much easier if they had a little red icon for un-encrypted network which turns green when encrypted.
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"My strategy is so simple an idiot could have devised it"
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clum1
Posts: 758
From: Glasgow, Scotland
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RE: Insufficient security? - 7/26/2005 10:38:47
Been there, done that... Never got MS encryption working with a d-link or 3-com card either - always end up sticking with the manufacturer's own brand in the end...
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kenilweb.com; simple, effective web design
"So I said to the Gym instructor "Can you teach me to do the splits?" He said "How flexible are you?". I said "I can't make Tuesdays"."
Tim Vine
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Printable Version 
Sorry, had a virus problem a week or so when I was *just* relying on Norton. Now armed up to the teeth (not that I'm paranoid or anything! 
)...anyway, what I'm wondering now is whether it's worth renewing my NAV LiveUpdate subscription (not that it's due yet - just like planning ahead) given what seemed to be quite a price rise this year to re-subscribe - £25+ if I remember rightly (I'm sure it wasn't that much last year 
