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To enhance your Internet experience VICNET outlines the following Internet security issues and measures to address these. These measures are of particular importance for customers with DSL access.
While VICNET does not support the products discussed below it provides this information in good faith to help its customers. Users are advised to contact their software/hardware supplier for support if these products are used.
Spyware, Malware & Ad ware are files that are installed on your computer without your knowledge. They are installed in your computer when you download software from the internet, a CD or floppy. They allow companies and hackers to monitor your Internet browsing patterns, and can retrieve account details, your bank log-in details, your website password details, your credit card numbers and any of your personal and private details including your financial information, and even allow companies to inundate you with those annoying "pop up" ads!
Common spyware comes with peer-to-peer download programs such as Kazaa, and websites such as Bonza Buddy and Gator.
There are a number of programs available that remove and protect against spyware and ad ware. More than one program may be needed as they are targetting specific types of malware.While VICNET does not support these programs we advise users to investigate the services these provide.
A firewall is a software program or device, located at a network gateway, that protects the resources of a private network from users from other networks. Basically, a firewall, working closely with a router, filters all network packets to determine whether to forward them toward their destination. There are a number of firewall screening methods. A simple one is to screen requests to make sure they come from acceptable (previously identified) domain names and IP addresses. For mobile users, firewalls allow remote access in to the private network by the use of secure logon procedures and authentication certificates. For more information on ports see below.
Common firewall programs include:
Many Modem/Routers used for ADSL connections have built in basic firewall support. For more information on these firewalls consult the documentation received with your DSL Modem/router. It is important to use firewall security to protect your computers as your connection available permanently providing a much more attractive target for hackers and spammers.
Note: Security is a two edged sword. Normally it makes it harder for personal information, application programs and email to access the internet and of course stops hackers, spyware and other nasties from accessing your computer. However, it may also make life difficult with Internet use as it may stop access to particular site and applications.
What is port blocking and why do we do it?
The kind of ports that are relevant to information security are virtual ports found in TCP/IP, the Internet communication protocol. Ports are like channels on your computer. Normal web or HTTP traffic flows on port 80. POP3 email flows on port 110, SMTP mail on port 25. By blocking or opening these ports into and out of your network you can control what kinds of data can flow through your network. Each different application communicating over the Internet will use a different port number.
Ports are commonly blocked by most firewall software except for known, commonly used ports. This means that hostile attacks using ports outside of the common range will generally not be effective. Like most security measures port blocking will improve the security on your home computer, however, it may affect the tasks of some applications and web pages that use uncommon port numbers.
From time to time VICNET issues information on the ports it has blocked owing to security risks. The recent outbreak of the 'W32/Nachi' worm triggered the blocking of several ports. Internet Control Management Protocol traffic, such as ping and traceroute may have been blocked as a result of worm traffic.
It is vital to have an up-to-date anti-virus program on all of your computers. Users can either purchase or download anti-viral products with a yearly updating service. Configure your anti-virus program to scan for updates daily as new worms, virus definitions are advertised frequently. For more information on antivirus programs.
Common antivirus programs include:
It is important to scan your computer thoroughly on a regular basis (weekly) to check for viruses. Many common viruses copy contents of email address books and email your correspondents with virus containing mail. Not only can they cause serious damage to your computer, they also tend to flood the Internet with continuous traffic thus increasing your MB download/upload to the extent that serious excess charges may apply. This flooding of networks is a primary cause for slow connection speeds on modern networks.
Anti-virus programs are used in conjunction with Firewalls and anti-spyware/adware programs. Each of these products is necessary to protect users against the vulnerabilities that can occur from being online. Whilst most computer viruses target Windows operating system, users of Mac and other operating system also need to keep an up-to-date anti-virus program.
Common symptoms of this problem is your browser suddenly having a different home page, which can't be changed; numerous advertising pop-up windows opening every few seconds, and/or extra toolbars occurring when you open Internet Explorer. Some parasites also change your dialup settings to call numbers other than your ISP (which can be very costly!). So what can you do?
Take note of the exact homepage web address that cannot be changed and search on the internet for removal instructions. Make sure you have anti-spyware programs and adware programs and run these frequently as these often remove these pests. Once removed, strike back by changing your Internet Explorer settings to dis-allow Browser Helper Objects( BHO). This will mean that you can't run your favourite "Google toolbar" but also that you are less likely to get attacked by these parasites.
For more information try:
last updated: 13/07/2004
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