Question regarding security while playing online

[ronein]

Hello there. This would be the first time I strayed into this forums. Hopefully you can help me out.

Im a regular online player of Counter-Strike. As such I have a question regarding security. While I was playing on one occasion, together with the Admin, he was able to change my handle(normaly done by the user via console). It could be no big deal, but since he was able to do it, who says others cant do it as well and who knows where they would go from there? Like maybe they can tamper with my system while im happily playing?

Also while playing, I noticed my counter strike logo was changed, both on the desktop and on the shortcut.

Maybe im just being paranoid, but can please someone explain or answer my queries.

BTW im connected to the net via router.

Also, will Zone Alarm be of any help?

Thanks

 

[TheWart]

hmm, i dont know why ure logo changed (maybe right click find target, it got corrupt accidentally), but i do know that a firewall would help. i would recommend tiny personal firewall (free) and doesnt have game probs like ZA. as far as security, no i do not think that anyone can jack up your system other than what you can do to users in teh game (change name/skin etc). u can always prohibit the downloading of new maps and user-specific skins using cl_allowdownload 0 and download_ingame 0 (i think), which might limit what others can do a bit more. bottom line: ive played CS online with shady ppl hwo at most have kicked/banned me from their servers. that is the best i think they can do.

good luck, and get other opinions, as im hardly a security expert, just a gaming d00d.

 

[ronein]

Thanks for the reply The Wart!