Network Security Warning ..... How to Protect Yourself On The Internet

[PCBruiser]

Stooo, do you really think that the Russian Mafia, for example, gives a hoot that you can track back a port scan to the Russian Federation? That's in fact who took me years ago. The FBI tracked them back and then simply shrugged their shoulders because there was nothing more that they could do.

[Ozzie]

Here is another online scanner...http://scan.sygate.com/

[Stooo]

Well if they did it obviously not.

[Stooo]

And back to the first post .. Just cause there has been an increase in port scans does not mean the Internet was safer prior to that event .. where ever the source of that information may be should include that

[Goldenfarmb]

PCB,

Being soooooooooooo not network savvy, another question.

I use DSL and have decided to get the router that you recommended on page 1. Is it a basic plug and play with the DSL modem or is it more labor intensive? Does the DSL change things in regards to setup/config?

Thanks,

GFB

[PCBruiser]

Goldenfarmb, Just to clarify, I did not intend to recommend any particular hardware, so the choice is yours as to which one to actually get. I held out the Netgear as simply an example of one which has SPI.

OK, having said that, there will be some settings that you will need to make in the router. While not quite plug and play, it is a fairly easy thing to do, and most come with pre-settings that fit most needs, and a web based management utility and wizard to make setting the router an easy chore. It certainly isn't labor intensive and should only take a few minutes. You will need to get some settings from your system, and may need to change one or two there as well. But, most of the manuals I have seen today are pretty clear about the whole thing. I suggest you download the manual from the manufacturer's web site and look it over before the hardware arrives.

Feel free to either ask here about settings, or to send me a PM if you are confused about any of them. I'll be happy to help anyone with setting questions, for sure.

[Fraoch]

Originally posted by PCBruiser
Fraoch - from Netgear's product description of the or the RP614:

"This highly capable 4-port Internet router provides True Firewall protection: Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) eliminates potential threats to your network by scanning incoming files and requests for information"

Dang...:sad:

There's been two versions of this router. I have the first one and now I know what the difference is - no SPI.

No wonder why there was such a huge mail-in rebate for it.

[PCBruiser]

I wonder if there is a firmware update that adds SPI?

[Fraoch]

Originally posted by PCBruiser
I wonder if there is a firmware update that adds SPI?

Their firmware updates are seperate for each version. So far, the two updates I've used do not appear to add SPI.

See http://kbserver.netgear.com/products...atic/RP614.asp. I have "v1".

[PCBruiser]

That's unfortunate, Fraoch, SPI is a very nice security feature. While there are a couple of software firewalls that have SPI, they are more expensive than buying a new router.

[Goldenfarmb]

Thanks PCB for the heads up. Also for the offer of assistance.

I have been looking at some "deal" sites but most are deals are for wireless routers. Are they ok as long as the have the same security features?? Or would you recommend me to stay wired?

GFB

[PCBruiser]

If the wireless ones have the same features, then that should be fine, particularly if you re planning to go wireless as well. Saves eventually buying an access point. Remember that the firewall features are on the WAN side of the network and the wireless is on the LAN side.

EDit: You might want to PM Briton or check out his thread from yesterday. He got one of the Netgear WGT624 wireless routers. Thread URL:

Netgear WGT624

[Goldenfarmb]

Froach,

How can you tell the difference between the 2 versions??

I found the same router that PCB suggested for 19.99 :

http://store.yahoo.com/justdeals/rp614nar.html

I just want to make sure it's the version with SPI.

SF

[UH60LimaTI]

Originally posted by Fraoch
Dang...:sad:

There's been two versions of this router. I have the first one and now I know what the difference is - no SPI.

No wonder why there was such a huge mail-in rebate for it.

Hey PCB!!! Decided to go for the NetGear RP614, got a Version2 at BestBuy, Also $49.99 with a $10 rebate(mail-in). Really good deal. Anyways, on the V2 box it says,

"Provides protection from hackers with a true firewall (SPI & NAT protection)"

Again, I know you do not want to get this thread all outta shape with hardware selections. On that note, I chose the NetGear on what info was available with cost in mind.

BTW- my lynksys befsr41 failed miserably on the linked tests.

Again, this thread has definitely raised my alert level, especially after reading what happened to you PCB.


Thank you again!!

[PCBruiser]

According to Fraoch, v1 doesn't have SPI, v2 does. While the link you provided in turn links to the v2 description, if I had to bet, I would bet it is v1. Unless you have dealt with this web store before and know that they will take a return if it isn't v2 without giving you a hassle, I would stay away from them.