BROADBAND INTERNET SECURITY
3 Easy Steps for Broadband Internet Security for your Cable Modem and DSL
Broadband Internet Security for Cable Modems/DSL:
1) Get Yourself a Router
If your ISP issues you a fairly robust router with instructions on how to secure it, you may not need a router. Just follow their instructions on how to configure the security on the device. Step 1B explains what security features are needed.
A. Types of routers:
linksys
Netgear
Actiontec
When you buy a router look for the following features:
Four 10Base-T/100Base-TX RJ-45 ports, one 10Base-T broadband WAN port, one 10Base-T/100Base-TX RJ-45 uplink port
This means that it can get four of you computers online using Cat 5.
If you have multiple computers and your Cable/DSL device does not support more than one connection I do NOT recommend wireless.
If you can, connect the DSL device to another router. You will need to use a crossover CAT 5 cable to connect the two like devices (i.e. computer to computer, router to router) require a crossover cable.
A USB cable will also work.
B. Configure the Router Correctly:
For security, as a minimum, use the Network Address Translation (NAT) feature of the router to hide your internal computers from the Internet.
You may have to go to an Advanced Setup Feature on your router to turn on the NAT feature.
C. Additional Router Security Features
Some routers offer additional firewall features for broadband Internet security such as actively closing ports, blocking websites, blocking services and integrating third party software firewalls such as ZoneAlarm and PC-Cillin.
2) Consider using software to protect your system for broadband Internet security
A. Virus protection
Free online virus scan:
Pandasoftware
TrendmicroMore Free Virus tools:
Freebyte
Thefreesite Dot Com
Free trial of Norton Anti-Virus
Free for DOD EmployeesOther virus tools:
AVAST
GrisoftI’ve heard that Norton was better than McAfee and vise-versa, but in my experience basic computer security can not be beat. The best practices are to not download e-mail attachments from unknown sources, turn off java script, cookies and asp functions on the browser and make sure you don’t put virus infected disks into your system. If you do use Anti-virus software make sure it is updated with the latest virus definitions.
Even More Anti-Virus Resources
Software Downloads:
MajorGeeksB. Ad-ware protection
In my opinion, adware, spam and spyware have become worse than Virii, trojans, worms, logic bombs or any other malware in compromising broadband Internet security.
Many times there is no difference between adware, spyware and malware. Adware and spyware creators are constantly coming up with creative ways to get there software on our computers. Just when I think I’ve figured out a way to eliminate ALL adware, and adware, they come up with a new brilliant method of deploying their software on my system and keep it there.
Here is a list of common Adware/Spyware removal tools:
Adaware
Hijackthis (don’t use unless you know what your doing)
Spyware BlasterThe best resource in getting rid of adware and spyware and malware are search engines. Usually you can find someone online who managed to fix the problem. Forums are an incredible resource for your broadband Internet security.
Even More Anti-Spy/Ad ware Resources
Software Downloads:
MajorGeeksBEWARE of WARES
Beware of Freeware & Shareware from illegitimate sites. A lot of spyware and shareware comes from freeware such as P2P (i.e. Kazaa). Manytimes what you think is free is really not free at all. Even if you have a rare legitimate copy of beloved Kazaa or Sharezaa, WinMX, or whatever, you MUST beware of what you download.
Be aware that malware and spyware can be hidden in .jpg, .gif, video and even sound files. Its call stenography. Its very cool. The safest thing to do is not use P2P at all. It is almost as bad as wireless.
For secure methods of P2P check out:
Creators of Kazaa: Joltid
BittorrentsC. Software firewall
I have used firewalls built in Linksys, Netgear, and Actiontec routers and I think they work great. They are by no means the push button solution to broadband Internet Security. For one thing they have holes just like any other software, hardware and firmware on the market. Malware can still get to your system. Many times people think just because they have a firewall they have an “S” on their chest.
Be humble. Know that you need:
- More than one layer of defense (patches, security configurations, cleaning tools)
- Security awareness of what is going on with the services, applications and operating system you are running that are exposed to the Internet. Be proactive. Look at your Event/Audit logs, processes, and network activity at least bi-weekly.
- If your system seems slower than usual assume the worst and check it out immediately.
I hate software firewalls but they are probably the best way to protect your home computer if you keep up with it.
Free software firewalls:
Zone AlarmNot free but still good:
Norton
McAfee
Tiny Firewall
My resources:
Free-firewall
www.Majorgeeks.com
tucows
3) Check your Security
A. SCAN your own IP
These are sites that allow you to scan your system from the outside. It is a very simple penetration test.
I would also recommend using a port scanner such as SuperScan
Check your processes with Task Manager
If your on a Windows NT/2000/XP system hit
CTRL + ALT + DEL
and choose Task Manager. Once your in Task Manager select processes and take look at what is running. This is a great resource for locating and killing rogue applications.
NETSTAT
Use netstat to examine what network activity is happening on your system.
Netstat is a built in feature. Go to Start | Run | type "cmd"
This will bring up a DOS prompt. Type "netstat"
If there is a ridiculous amount of activity scrolling up the screen and your system is a sluggish, you may have a Trojan, virus or worm.
I had one called HWCLOCK.exe on my system. It actually scanned other people in my ISP's network looking for other people to exploit. I had to shut off the process called HWCLOCK in my Task Manager an remove the malware while in Safe Mode.
Other Broadband Internet Security Sites:
Broadband Internet Security software
Broadband Internet Security links
Broadband Internet Security basics
