Windows Network Security

 

RECOMMENDED SITES

Here is a list of links, tips, and tricks to protect your MS Windows system. The services here are FREE!

Microsoft Windows Patches

Microsoft offers a site with the latest Windows program and security patches. The site will scan your computer and allow you to download any missing patches.

Make certain you perform most of the Critical Updates and Service Packs.

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Spyware Scanners

Spyware is a program that gathers information about you without your knowledge. This information is relayed to advertisers or other interested parties.

Spybot—Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware from your computer. For a free download visit:

http://www.safer-networking.org

Ad-aware is one of the best multi-trackware detection and removal utilities available. To download it from Lavasoft visit:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com

 

VIRUS SCANNERS

Trend Micro offers an online virus scanner. To perform a quick scan for viruses visit:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com

McAfee offers a similar online virus scanner, McAfee FreeScan. To register and use this service visit:

http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?cid=9913

It is recommended that you install a full antivirus package on your system. Most packages offer real-time features to prevent infection, e-mail and download scanning, as well as disk scanning utilities.

To see additional virus information, confirm hoaxes, or download additional clean-up utilities, visit:

McAffee Antivirus

http://www.mcafee.com/us/

eTrust EZ Antivirus

http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

Trend Micro—PC-cillin

http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/enterprise.htm

Symantec Antivirus Center

http://www.symantec.com/index.htm

 

TROJAN SCANNERS

Trojans are programs that enter a system undetected. To perform a quick scan from Trojans visit:

http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/

Network Firewall

ZoneAlarm offers a a free, simple firewall program used to track the network traffic coming in and out of your computer. It can be configured to block or allow specific program connections.

http://www.zonealarm.com/

Microsoft Windows XP users have a built-in firewall available. To activate the firewall:

  • Go to the Control Panel
  • Select Network Connections.
  • Double-click on the network connection to secure (e.g., Local Area Connection)
  • Click on Properties
  • Click on Advanced tab
  • Check Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet

 

SECURITY TIPS

Stop Sharing!

Microsoft Windows has the ability to share files and printers across the network. If this is not a feature you need, turn it off. To disable file sharing in Microsoft Windows XP:

  • Go to the Control Panel
  • Select Network Connections
  • Double-click on the network connection to secure (e.g., Local Area Connection)
  • Click on Properties
  • Un-check the box for File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
  • Click on OK

Peer-to-peer file sharing programs, such as Kazaa, can introduce security holes even when they are not running. Uninstall these programs.

Set Secure Passwords

Many people set either blank or easy-to-guess passwords. Password protect your system start-up and file shares.

Shut Down

Turn off your system when it is not needed for an extended period of time. If it is off, it cannot get hacked.

 

WIRELESS NETWORKS

Freedom!

Wireless Networks offer an easy and inexpensive way to setup a home network. Unfortunately these networks are also potential security risks as neighbors or even someone parked on the street may try to access the data on your computer or access the Internet.

The default configuration of your wireless devices is not secure. It is set to be as easy as possible for you to connect your computers.

Lock It Down

Here are a few things you should do to your access point.

  • Change the admin password and turn off remote management
  • Turn off SSID Broadcast
  • Change your SSID
  • Enable WEP or other encryption

Ignorance is Bliss?

One experiment scanning wireless networks in both business and residential areas found that 60% of wireless networks had been left in their default configuration from the manufacturer!