Posts Tagged ‘firewall’

FAQ – Most Important Computer Security Issues

1. I need an ultimate security transferring data online, can I achieve that, I mean for real? Yes you can. You can use data encryption with the key known only by the receiver. Suppose a third party tapping the communication gets hold of the data, he will still could not make any sense out of it since it's meaningless unless it is decrypted.

2. Hash table, what is it? Is it the key? A hash value is a string of characters that represent encrypted data. In short, it is the protected data.

3. What does it mean, SSL, and what is it? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL is a type of public key encryption.

4. What is a firewall for? A firewall monitors and filters out unwanted data packets from an Internet connection.

5. What is a proxy server? Proxy servers takes the place of users in the eye of web servers. They send requests from users to web servers, and retrieve web pages to send to the computers. This means the computers and the servers don't meet directly and don't have any idea that they do if they connect through a proxy server.

6. What is a botnet? It is an network of what we call zombie computers. A zombie computer is a computer that has transformed into automatic machines or bots that are under the control of a malicious operator.

7. What does DDoS mean, what is it? DDoS is Distributed Denial of Service. It is an attack that uses computers over the internet to send millions of requests to a server with the goal of overwhelming and crashing the server. In a large scale DDoS attack, global internet traffic is disturbed.

8. What does a computer virus do, how does it work? Usually, a computer virus is a malicious code that resides within a huge legitimate code. Although some viruses don’t harm computer, there have been ones that are notorious to have caused a lot of damage.

9. What is phishing? Phishing is a method intended to fool ignorant people into giving away classified information like bank account numbers, usernames and passwords and credit card information, by faking a legitimate web site.

10. What’s a cracker? What is black hat? We call hackers infiltrating secured systems to cause rogue things acquire certain informations as crackers. A black hat hacker is someone who actively attempts to break into systems or use computer viruses to steal information or achieve other purposes.

Is My Firewall Working Properly?

To prevent unintended intrusion from the network and internet by using a network firewall is basically very effective. By utilizing the list of blocked IP’s, applications, and data packets, break-in attempts will be prevented to over 80% of the time. However, this applies to only some situations.

When is a firewall effective?

Firewalls are different in settings for each unique environment in a network. It depends on the behavior of the data exchange between the users and the network or internet that is permitted by the administrator. I think this is the basic conditions a firewall should be installed upon, so as not to set the firewall to a “default-allow” rule, which will practically make the firewall useless.

To make the best of a firewall, it should be set to the “default-deny” rule, with exceptions for a list of IP’s, applications, access types and confirmations, only to the widest range that the company would really need in network and internet access. It’s best to apply the “default-deny” rule with exceptions that’s based only on a daily needs of the users of the network, although a dedicated technical support that’s responsible for intelligent-”allow-rule”-supervision should be available.

This setting may be the best security firewall system setting besides antivirus implementation.

Uh uh. No Good. It’s not working. Why?

It’s relieving to know that we’re really protected. It’s only that not every network owners really dedicate their small portion of investment to the “default-deny” set of rules implementation, because they refuse to have to add additional exceptions in the future upon someone complaining that he can’t use some internet resources.

They even don’t like more on the necessity of having to add exceptions each and every day. what they’re looking for is a practical procedure, without any later intervention needed to make it work.

This matter is not there because the system administrator has no idea regarding the case, but mostly because it is a common practice. Marketing and commercials sales pitch that don’t want their products to feel hard to be used effectively also takes the part.

How can we make it better on our own system?

To get number one firewall software installed is just cool. It’s just that it’s not only that. It needs us to have at least a bit more understanding about firewalls, networks, and how they work.

None that I can remember of all vendors is providing that yet, because that is our part as users. A little priming is very important as soon as it is installed.

We can make use of a free firewall, Zone Alarm Free, install and prime it for the best. By watching the video guide, even begginers can use a firewall like a wizard.

When we take care of things nicely, and the firewall is effective, we only have to relax and enjoy the day. After all, you have worked on it and you deserve it, right?

Please do this one!

If we are to achieve something, in this case a security for our network, we need to ACT. So, what’s holding you back? Let’s do it, and relax when you have a secure networking and internet!

Protect Your Data and Computer System With These Easy 5 Steps

Do you find that you keep on getting compromised by virus, worms, or trojans although you have the best security tools installed? The following details is comprehensive and practical to the application to secure your system.

You can defend both the system and your computer from almost all threats to your privacy and security, if you have a similar policy or just implement these points.

1. Each and every patches to Windows security for your Windows OS must be updated. All you need is a working internet connection and you will have an always updated Windows OS without any cost.

2. Find a best antivirus to date and install it. Consult software review for the best antivirus ranking to date. Nowadays, antivirus software solutions are sold at very affordable price; some with limited capablities are even free. Provide internet connection to let the antivirus update itself anytime, and let it run automatically when the computer starts. This can be done automatically by default with most programs.

3. Have a firewall installed and configure it well. Either a software or a hardware firewall will do fine, you just need to make sure it is working properly. In case you are connecting through a router, a built-in firewall may have been included in it; You only have to fill the deny or allow list to make it work perfectly. Software version of firewalls are widely available, even the free ones!

4. Don't let yourself run or install any program without having it tested and declared safe in a different computer first. A virtual machine or a virtual computer can do this tricky job with no cost at all and act as a free virus protection.

5. Backup your files regularly, just in case. Best laid plans are those prepared for worst case. All you need is only a few DVDs. With a spare large size harddisk, the cost is reduced to zero!

It's clear that it cost very low and even free if you want to protect yourself from threats.

Comodo Internet Security Pro Recommended for Vista Operating System

Anyone who owns and operates a personal computer, which by virtue of the fact you are reading this probably includes you, needs to be aware of and understand the need for firewall and anti-virus protection. If you don’t have these preventative programs, adware and malware parasite-like applications, along with other computer “bugs,” latch on to your operating system and data, putting both at risk.

Computer guru Kim Komando recommends Comodo as the best option for PCs running the Vista operating system. (Gannett News Service column, Dec. 31, 2008)

Comodo Internet Security Pro includes the firewall, anti-virus and security software found in the company’s free product, with these additional features:

TrustConnect, which can be used anywhere you need to use unsecure wireless connections, such as coffee shops, hotels, airports, City/Town Public Wi-Fi hubs.

Security & Protection Services: Keep your computer secure from hackers, malware and viruses. Stay protected by diagnosing and removing all threats with the help of the company’s support experts. Virus Diagnosis, Virus Removal and Internet Login Protection are among the services included.

Setup and Installation: Your Comodo products and Internet-based email account will be installed for you by the company. Includes: Email Account Setup, Comodo Internet Security Pro Software Installation and Printer Setup.

PC Tune-up and Green Configuration: Save money on your electric bill. The company will optimize your power management setting based on how you use your computer. Slow-running computer? They’ll give it a full scan and fine-tune key areas to improve speed and stability. Includes Green PC Configuration and PC Tune-up service.

Another endorsement: “The professional version steps up personal security and computer maintenance to another level … LivePC allows you to connect to real expert, 24 hours a day, to help diagnose security issues. You’ll even find people on hand to help you install the program, so the support starts from the very first time you download. This is perfect for people who understand how important internet security is but don’t have the time to dedicate themselves to learning every single thing about virus protection. Even if you consider yourself tech savvy, we bet you’ve got a friend or relative who could really benefit from a service like this!”
software-today.com

There are a lot of choices out there, but you can go with the one recommended for Vista by perhaps the leading consumer advocate for computer owners and users: Comodo Internet Security Pro.