Re: Broadband help please.

In article <5945f05c4e.chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Chris Hughes <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
OK, this is from my professional experience of looking after some
12,000 users!

I don't look after that many (we aren't a very big Council after all!) but
I'll add my bit where I can.

Ensure the router firewall is operational. This will block the
majority of incoming stuff (dependent on router model/make - some are
better then others). They are not infallible.

Bear in mind that the router's firewall will be more effective on port
blocking than actual software. If possible, you should always start from
the point of view that *everything* is blocked (preferably "stealth"
blocked, since a rejection won't deter a hacker), then open only what you
need.

Install a decent software firewall on your PC (something like
ZoneAlarm, McAfee's or Norton, etc..) don't blindly tick allow all the
time or even set to all the time, if in doubt check first. These will
all alert you to outgoing traffic and some provide an email scanner
for viruses/Trojans as well) It will also monitor for incoming traffic
to try and stop anything getting through the router.

I tend to prefer Sygate, which is free for personal use. You can adjust
the security settings on this and, since it has a pretty comprehensive log
system, you can adjust it over time to catch the above.

WinXp Firewall is not considered that particularly good letting a lot
of stuff through especially anything labelled Microsoft - it aasumes
this is all safe regardless. - Window's Vista Firewall is reportedly a
lot better.

Methinks that the WinXP firewall was just a kneejerk reaction to bugs such
as Sasser etc. getting in through unused open ports, hence my warning
above about only opening what you need. As for Vista, I always prefer to
give a new product from M$ at least a year, or until the first service
release.

You then need a decent anti-virus program, something like AVG, Norton,
McAfee, even the commercial version of ZoneAlarm has a reportedly good
Anti-Virus module now.

I've found that ZoneAlarm can be a little inflexible with some network
setups, but it's better than nothing.... well, better than getting
something that is totally useless, anyway. As for freebie AV software,
there is also Avast. Personally, I have never had too much trouble with
AVG, but I know some folk that swear by Avast, so go see what you think.

Then you need a Anti-Spyware/Malware program. I know many people use
Adaware or SpyBot - I did and still do, but apparently the best two
anti-spyware programs are Spyware Doctor and CounterSpy, with AVG new
Ewido also very good. None of them are 100% good at picking up/
finding the syware/malware/trojans/keyloggers, Spyware Doctor
according to peer reviews is the best at 92% with CounterSpy at 89%,
while Ad-aware and Spybot are between 50 to 54%.

I never trust one single A/s product. Some work better than others at
finding certain types of spyware. Being careful about where you surf can
be one of the best ways to keep your system clear, and I have been known
to use Browser Hijack Blaster (later SpywareGuard) as a barrier against
some of the more basic browser helper object (BHO) attacks as well as
Spyware Blaster and the innoculation side of Spybot S&D. However, if you
are prone to attacks, it is good to keep a good selection on hand.

Oh, while I think of it, bear in mind that the Microsoft Wanker... sorry,
OneCare thing isn't infallible either. There are certain instances that
are let through for corporate reasons, for example.

Very Important - keep all of the above up todate!

Natch. It's a common misconception that one load makes a safe computer.
This couldn't be further from the truth! If you are online, you are always
at risk from the next big bug discovery. Keep your A/v and A/s software up
to date, and you will reduce that risk.

--
//\ // Chika <zvlhxv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx - ROT13>
// \// Hitting Googlespammers with hyper-hammers!

.... The universe is laughing behind your back
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Downloads and Spyware
    ... > As far as the spyware is concerned it sounds like you are ... > spybot finds it. ... >> Windows XP, I suggest you clean up your system ... > firewall can be found ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: who the hell do I believe?
    ... Spybot updates the offenders fairly regularly? ... understand the severity of spyware and how to avoid the ... Keep AV and Windows up to date, ... >> FIREWALL ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Internet Security Suites was Re: Yo - John H (and other photo folks)
    ... All of the experts I have read do rate ZoneAlarm Security Suite as the best ... Ad-Aware SE Personal and Spybot Search and Destroy 1.4. ... Suite removed an impressive 80 percent of the active adware and spyware ...
    (rec.boats)
  • Re: Downloads and Spyware
    ... As far as the spyware is concerned it sounds like you are ... (I haven't installed spybot yet but was ... a "Windows" operating ... firewall can be found ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: Internet Security Suites was Re: Yo - John H (and other photo folks)
    ... > I also run Adware and Spybot every few weeks, (this is an old habit I have ... > catch any spyware that got by ZA Security Suite. ... > In the past ZoneAlarm and ZoneAlarm Plus did not do a good job of catching ...
    (rec.boats)