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by Sigma6 on August 12th, 2003

Sigma6

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I'm on an always-on DSL connection. What are the basic things I need to do to secure my machine from intruders without buying any software?

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Answers. 6 helpful answers below.

  • by lunatik on December 2nd, 2003

    lunatik

    Download and install the following FREE programs! Do NOT let the PRICE fool you. These are some of the BEST at what they do !!!!

    Zonealarm from ZONELABS.com
    SpyBot - Search and Destroy (Search google for DL site)
    AVG - Antivirus from grisoft they will send you an activation code.

    Additionally install Ad-aware from lavasoft and even check out some DOS (Denial of Service) issues from grc.com.

    I additionally run mozilla browser whick auto blocks pop-ups and is immune to many of the IE type vulnerabilities. I also only use web based email, so as not to store a local address book for a virus, worm, macro etc to propogate.

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  • by Christopher Woods on June 12th, 2004

    Christopher Woods

    There are several ways to secure a computer that's always on the Internet.


    First method: a firewall, either software (like Zone Alarm or Black Ice) can prove to be ONE PART of an effective security setup - but a hardware firewall can prove to be more effective, and more secure. Many broadband routers (mainly cable modem routers) contain built-in firewalls - check the specification if you're thinking of buying one. Some DSL-specific routers also contain firewalls, of varying quality - though all will provide at least a basic form of network protection.


    The firewall element should be combined with a regularly (daily!) updated virus scanner, that scans your machine on a regular basis (perhaps late at night when it's not being used) - this will form a second layer of defence against any virii or (more annoying) trojan viruses or malware such as email spam viruses, which (ab)use your system's internet connection to either send spam emails to random people on the Internet, or perhaps scan your computer for email addresses, and email itself on forward.


    The third effective defence is - a patched Windows system! Making sure that Windows Update runs often and on a regular basis will ensure that the latest exploits and problem code within the most widely-used of Operating Systems (and therefore naturally the most widely-attacked OS as well) will stay away from your computer.


    You have to be prudent about keeping your computer safe, making sure that your computer is currently patched and the virus "Identification Files", which tell the virus scanner what to look for, are as regularly updated as Windows Update, if not even MORE regularly.



    All that together _should_ form a fairly effective barrier - but be on your lookout for stray intrusions. Software such as Ad-Aware (from www.lavasoft.de) will help you detect whether you have any spyware or malware on your computer, which has perhaps sneaked onto your machine from an otherwise-legitimate installation of some software, or a web site, etc...


    And the Golden Rule with the Internet: be suspicious of EVERYTHING. Even things that you assume to be from a trusted source.


    Happy surfing.

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  • by david askari on August 7th, 2005

    david askari

    The threat increases after a hour since the attackers have more time to dig in. I personally either unplug the modem or phone jack if I feel threatened and not using the net. A computer off or sleeping is protected. Microsoft firewall (sp 2) and beta anti spy-ware and malicious software removal tool are free and good. I don,t know what to say about virus software though.

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  • by Karl Plesz on June 13th, 2005

    Karl Plesz

    So, you seem to be stressing 'without buying' and that's what I'm going to limit my answer to. This is a very hard question to answer in a brief fashion, but for starters, you need to have a reliable anti-virus product and a firewall operating on your machine. You do not have to buy anti-virus, AVG (www.grisoft.com) puts out a great free product. If you have Windows XP, you don't need to buy a software firewall either - but make sure to get Service Pack 2, because it makes the built-in firewall much better. If you own one of those DSL/Cable or Wireless Routers, then you already have a hardware firewall, but this will not protect you against unwanted "outgoing connections" like a software firewall can, but it will help protect your machine from inbound connections. If you need a software firewall but don't own XP, give Zone Alarm's free product a try.

    The problem is, you can have the best firewall and anti-virus in the world and still have a problem if you don't practise "safe computing". Never open unexpected attachments (or even emails for that matter if you use a poorly configured email client). Watch where you go online and be wary of downloads from untrusted sources.

    Hpoe that helps. It's not the whole story, but it's a start. And it's all free!

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  • by D-A-N on June 3rd, 2005

    D-A-N

    buy or download nortan antivirus and spysweeper which are great!

    People say spyware eliminator is good but i tried that and hated it!

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  • by pun_nisher on June 8th, 2004

    pun_nisher

    lunatik gave some great suggestions. I have used these programs with good results. Like any program you must update regulary for the best results. I also run Black Ice Defender. This program will let you use it for a trial period. I liked the way Black Ice performed so well I bought a licence to it. I like the way it records IPs that try and get in my computer plus sets a level of danger from these IPs to my system. Plus it lets me block certain IPs completely. Combine that with this website:

    http://www.geektools.com/whois.php

    and I can trace an intruding IP to it's general source if I have been hacked and need to alert the police in the hackers area.

    No series of programs is full proof in keeping out someone determined to get in, but, you can make it harder for them. The best way to keep them out is: PULL THE ETHERNET CABLE FROM YOUR ETHERNET CARD EXCEPT FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO USE THE INTERNET. Simplistic I know, but, sometimes the simplest ways are the best.

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