Unknown Computer on Private Home Setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter BillG
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BillG

Hi All,
I have three desktops and a laptop connected to a linksys router connected
to a comcast cable box. The comcast system uses a WPA encryption which cannot
be changed to WEP as they do not use WPA. I have system 3 shield (iolo)
system guard, antivirus, firewall, and the Vista ultimate firewall turned
off. I see an unknown computer named FISHY (IP 192.168.1.139) with unknown
gaming files on my home network. I have renamed the network on all of our
computers and still this unknown computer shows up using MSHOME. I've enabled
the Linksys router to acept only the IP addresses our computers, and to deny
the IP of FISHY to no avail. How do I remove the FISHY computer. If I turn
off the file sharing or discovery all that does is make the FISHY intruder
become invisible but they are still there on the network. The shared files on
FISHY say Desktop.ini so they are hacking into my system, how do I stop?
 
what is the model number, hardware revision and firmware version for
this router? what you wrote was contradictory regarding WEP/WPA.
Also you don't connect routers to set top boxes. what do you mean by
a router connected to a comcast cable box?

You do NOT want to use WEP. You want to use WPA.

What is the name of the SSID on YOUR network?




Hi All,
I have three desktops and a laptop connected to a linksys router connected
to a comcast cable box. The comcast system uses a WPA encryption which cannot
be changed to WEP as they do not use WPA. I have system 3 shield (iolo)
system guard, antivirus, firewall, and the Vista ultimate firewall turned
off. I see an unknown computer named FISHY (IP 192.168.1.139) with unknown
gaming files on my home network. I have renamed the network on all of our
computers and still this unknown computer shows up using MSHOME. I've enabled
the Linksys router to acept only the IP addresses our computers, and to deny
the IP of FISHY to no avail. How do I remove the FISHY computer. If I turn
off the file sharing or discovery all that does is make the FISHY intruder
become invisible but they are still there on the network. The shared files on
FISHY say Desktop.ini so they are hacking into my system, how do I stop?
Click to expand...
--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
 
illG - evidently you intended to state router was connected to a cable
modem - not a cable box.

You do not have an intruder from "outside" - note the address -
192.168.1.139 would indicate origination within your network. Ipconfig the
units and verify IPs. Ping the address - if successful - shutdown each unit
and re-ping.
 
Well, I understand that WEP is not as good as WPA, but if there is a hacker
out there can has the knowledge to hack WEP, then he can hack WPA too.. so
I would not worry about that..

Also, just because you see a Desktop.ini file in Fishy, that does not mean
they are hacking your computer, just your WiFi network...

I take it that you are using the Comcast WiFi system and not the Linksys?

If you have access to the Comcast WiFi, then I would reset it to its default
configuration.. hide the SSID, and use MAC Address Filtering to keep
intruders away.. Now, if this 'hacker' is really, really good, then you may
have to resort to other means.. but hackers of this type are one in a
million....
 
First, WPA-TKIP Personal can only be broken by dictionary attack and
a strong password would make that extremely unlikely. WPA2 (WPA-AES)
can't be broken via a dictionary attack.

Hiding the SSID is NOT a recommended solution. In fact it sometimes
makes it more difficult to connect. And anyone with a decent sniffer
can find the SSID. Mac addresses can also be sniffed and spoofed.

Well, I understand that WEP is not as good as WPA, but if there is a hacker
out there can has the knowledge to hack WEP, then he can hack WPA too.. so
I would not worry about that..

Also, just because you see a Desktop.ini file in Fishy, that does not mean
they are hacking your computer, just your WiFi network...

I take it that you are using the Comcast WiFi system and not the Linksys?

If you have access to the Comcast WiFi, then I would reset it to its default
configuration.. hide the SSID, and use MAC Address Filtering to keep
intruders away.. Now, if this 'hacker' is really, really good, then you may
have to resort to other means.. but hackers of this type are one in a
million....
Click to expand...
--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
 
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