How secure is your network?

Before I built the Linux router, I maintained security from Internet intruders with firewall software on a Win2K machine. The software would alert and log all attempts from outside to scan or probe my system. I was surprised on how many alerts I received. I'm sure most of the alerts were errant or stray packets from web servers that I had been in contact with. However, there were several persistent individuals who made repeated attempts to hack my system during the wee hours.

I cannot over stress the importance of having some form of firewall in place when connecting to the Internet, especially with a high-speed cable or DSL connection. Although your single PC or small cluster of networked PC's may seem insignificant and not contain any important information, your connection can be used to host an assault on other sites. Do not become an unwilling participant in a cyber-crime.

I have kept the firewall on my system since connecting to the Linux router. I have not been alerted to any port scans since. I have tried several web based scans and port-probes to find any insecure or open ports. So far my network is stealthy and the Freesco Box appears quite secure.

These are some useful sites to check how secure you are.

Shields Up

Security Space

DSL Reports - Port Scan

Networkscan

---

Kerio Personal Firewall

This is the personal firewall software I have installed on our Windows XP workstations.

Some people many argue that this is not necessary with a network hardware firewall. Since setting up my Freesco box, I have not received any intrusion alerts on my Windows workstation. A personal firewall will however, protect you from Trojan horse programs, worms and sneaky spyware by preventing unauthorized outbound information from being sent out. Kerio is free for use at home and I am quite satisfied with its performance.

www.kerio.com

---

AVG Anti-Virus

I have changed my workstation OS to Windows XP Professional. My old anti-virus software would not work with XP. I now use AVG 6 Anti-Virus, this software is free, for now, to North American and United Kingdom users.

I've found the program to be bug-free and Grisoft have been quick to respond to new viruses with timely updates. Grisoft's DOS Nimda scanner found Nimda-B on my system.

www.grisoft.com

---

Tweaking the Firewall