Now that I'm connected with a Cable Modem, how do I "button" down this machine??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Zzyzx
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Zzyzx

I'm looking for some suggestions as to how to button down this machine so
that every Tom, Dick and Harry won't have access to it for malicious
purposes. I have a D-Link DCM-202 Cable Modem, a Linksys Cable/DSL Router
with 4 Port Switch (Model Number BEFSR41). My machine is W2K withSP4 and
second machine connect to the modem/router is XP Home with SP1.

How do I configure the router for security? Is there a way to place
security on the cable modem itself?

Also, in a pinch, what is the quickest way to disconnect from the Internet?

Any tips, suggestions or errata on this matter would be most appreciated!
 
well, if your router or cable modem doesn't already have a firewall its too
late. it only takes minutes of unprotected access even on a dialup to
compromise a machine. the best thing is to make sure that either your
router or the modem has a firewall enabled that is blocking everything from
coming in. after that all you need is the normal anti-virus, spyware,
adware, trojan, etc, etc, etc, scanners.
 
The Linksys device will provide good protection as is to inbound attacks as it will
only allow inbound ports to be open in response to outbound traffic that your
computer initiated. You can check your firewall protection at one of the popular self
scan sites such as http://scan.sygatetech.com/. To configure your router, enter it's
IP address in the web browser such as in http://192.168.1.1. One thing I would
recommend is to make sure remote management is disabled which it should be by
default. Cable modems are not configurable in any meaningful way. The quickest way to
disconnect from the internet is to shut down your cable modem.

Follow the advice at the link below to make sure you keep current with critical
updates and use a antivirus program that also scans all of your emails. Firewalls
such as yours can not scan inbound content for worms and viruses.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

I would also be sure to keep Internet Explorer at a minimum security levels as
described in the link below and at least once a week scan your computer for parasites
with AdAware being sure to update it's definitions from within the program before
scanning. -- Steve

http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm#
 
Thanks once again Steve for you help and suggestions. I installed ZoneAlarm
Pro on both computers that are connected via a router to a Cable Modem. I
did pretty well at the sygatetech web site. It did find two parts not being
used but closed, using the Stealth Scan.

Again, thanks for your help. It is appreciated!
 
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