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Just got my cable modem, what should I do to protect my system?

Zim Hosein

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
As the title says, I got a two way cable modem installed today and I'm pretty happy w/ it. I have a s/w firewall protecting my system and would like to know what else I should do to protect my system. I'm using a wireless network that is USB on my destop to connect to my laptop, so I believe that file and printer sharing should be left on, at least according to my cable provider. I went to Gibson's research URL, and the tests say that I am secure for the moment. Should I be worried about something I've overlooked, or is all well. Just looking for some imput. Thanks for your time.
 
It all depends on how much knowledge you have, how much money you have and how paranoid you are. You have ALOT of options that I would recommend reading up on. Here are a few:

1. For the rich and paranoid, a Cisco PIX.
2. For the normal end user and for the easiest set up and administering, Zone Alarm.
3. For the more experienced and with some Linux experience, Engarde or any other secure Linux OS.

Don't have time to list them all. Do a search on Google and read up on some stuff. There is a lot of information about this subject out there.
 
Are you using a router for the wireless component? Depending on how this is set up, you may need/want to harden this a bit: WEP, exclusive MAC addressing, etc. (Your rig stats still have you using MSN dialup, so I can't tell from here.)
 
In general, security issues involve:

1. Unauthorized Internet traffic coming in (from the Internet to your computer).

2. Unauthorized Information going out (from your Hard Drive to some one else Web Server).

The latter is done mainly by programs that are ?calling home?. Unfortunately, the amount of programs that are calling home is growing by the day.

The Router?s Firewall secures mainly the Incoming traffic.

To secure the Outgoing aspect you need to add Software Firewall, that it set to notify you when unusual information is going out

The Gibson service is excellent but does not check for Info goes out.
 
Ace69, thanks for the suggestions, but since I'm not rich, the Cisco PIX is out of the question. I'm using Norton's firewall, so I suppose that covers my s/w end.

cipher00, I'm not using a router, my cable modem is plugged into my NIC card, and the wireless network, Intel's 1.6mb per/sec, is hooked up by usb. You've lost me on the MAC addressing stuff 😱 Oh, and thanks for the update about my rig page 🙂

JackMDS, thanks for the explanation on what is and isn't covered by a firewall.
 
Norton FW would provide good protection.

However, don?t use the default setting. Go into the Advanced Mode, and set your system according to your needs, taking into consideration that you have broadband connection.
 
JackMDS, I believe I have configured Norton's FW program correct under advanced options, anything I should pay special attention to? Thanks for your time.
 
Symantec leaves some ports, and URLs open by default, it seems to vary from one release to the other.

E.g. I had a version that kept ?Microsoft Windows Updates" open by default. Ended up messing a system by an employee that did not know what he was doing.

Just go over the list of ports, and URLs that are opened.
 
Thank you very much JackMDS, I will take a closer look at the items you mentioned.
 
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