Firewall for Cable connections

MacUser · February 21, 2001, 07:54

What with everyone playing MPG (MGE, if you prefer), I imagine that any of us using a cable modem connection has broadcast our IP addresses to the world for a long time. Lately I've been wondering if using a software firewall (like Norton's) would be a good/necessary idea. While I've earased all those Top Secret FBI/CIA files, I'd still be pissed if some hacker (or worst yet an advertising agency!) messed with my computer or installed an application.

Anybody here using a firewall (by choice) and if so why? Is the danger real and present? I figure out of the millions of users out there, the risk ought to be small, but to hear the media hype, you never know...

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Be what you is and not what you is not. Folks who do that are the happiest lot!
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Smash · February 21, 2001, 20:29

quote:

Is the danger real and present?

YES!Hackers and virus builders love a setup like that with no guards.Not neccessarily to hurt your unit,but to use it to harm others.

Its not worth the risk.

One very good thing is you use the correct OS.Bad people hate that one and generally know little or nothing about it and couldn't be bothered.

finbar · February 21, 2001, 20:39

quote:

Originally posted by Smash on 02-21-2001 07:29 PM

One very good thing is you use the correct OS.

By which you simply mean Mac? Hopefully?

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MacUser · February 22, 2001, 00:02

quote:

Originally posted by finbar on 02-21-2001 07:39 PM
By which you simply mean Mac? Hopefully?

SMASH? Are you kidding??

I'm surprized that he didn't take the "MacUser" moniker since he got here first!

Maybe I'll look around at firewalls. I know Norton, but I'm not familiar with others. Time to broaden my horizons.

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Be what you is and not what you is not. Folks who do that are the happiest lot!
- Mr. Wizard the Lizard,

MacUser · February 22, 2001, 00:23

Following the links that SG suggested, I was able to test my Mac's security using Shields UP! The good news is that a windows hacker not only couldn't get in, but would not "see" my computer with scanners (this is explained on the site). Evidently, my settings are such that Sheilds UP considered my computer opperating in "full stealth" mode and all ports are either "full stealth" or "closed" to intruders. This, I suppose is a good thing; I've always heard that the Mac OS is inherently more secure than Windows. However, they author cautions that although the risk of a random anonomous attack is low, it is still possible. Also I wonder if a Mac-specific attack is different from what the Sheilds UP test performed. More reading is needed....

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Be what you is and not what you is not. Folks who do that are the happiest lot!
- Mr. Wizard the Lizard,

Scouse Gits · February 22, 2001, 01:07

I use ZoneAlarm (free, but I think PC only) - it's biggest strength is that it not only renders your PC invisible to the outside world, but prevents any thing that has got inside your defences telling its owners what is going on (Adware and Spyware of various sorts)
Ther is a good exposition of Firewalls here. and if you want to know more about ZoneAlarm look here.
I have no connection (other than as a content customer) with either of the above links.

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[This message has been edited by Scouse Gits (edited February 21, 2001).]