warning

Malcolm · 04-04-05, 06:42 AM

Just to let people know that someone attempted an unauthorised entry on my computer systems over the weekend using GT40 as the password.

I don't use a password as obvious as this and would recommend others don't either, however enthusiastic they are about the car!

I have the IP address of the person concerned and should I find out who it was I will name and shame them at the least. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

Bill Musarra · 04-04-05, 07:03 AM

Let this be a warning to all, that each one of us needs a Firewall installed on our computers to cut down on this sort of thing. There are free ones, and those that want it, professional versions. I use Zone Alarm and am pleased with its performance. You can find all sorts of firewalls, anti spam, antivirus, and popup blockers on Cnet.com. They even have ratings for each. Install them and keep them up to date. I avoid hackers, worms and the like by using mozilla Firefox as my browser. Its free and works as good as Microsoft. Differences are minor, and you lill hardly notice the difference. Its not big enough for the worm makers so its another layer of protection. Also, don't open emails from anybody you don't know. I use hotmail which puts all mail that comes from those not on my safe list in the junk mail. I look at it, but rarely open anything there unless I am expecting something from say an ebay question or something like that. And as Malcolm stated someone out there knows about our pride and joys, so be careful about the subjects as well. web page

Bill

Frank Catt · 04-04-05, 12:15 PM

Malc, how did you find out that this happened ?, I have always wondered just how safe we are from this sort of thing and I dont know how to check, Frank

BenL · 04-04-05, 01:10 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Let this be a warning to all, that each one of us needs a Firewall installed on our computers to cut down on this sort of thing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Software firewalls are a good start, but if you have an always-on network connection via a cable modem (or DSL), you should get a hardware firewall. SMC, Linksys, and Netgear make decent ones that you can frequently buy on sale for under $40 (I've been quite happy with my SMC firewall/router/hub). Most hardware firewalls are very easy to install (I set one up for my father-in-law). If you get a firewall that is also a hub, you can connect a couple of home computers into it for protection and to share the cable modem (and to talk to each other).

Steve Toner · 04-04-05, 03:17 PM

I have a wireless LAN running in my house, and just last week caught a neighbor using it to get internet access. I *thought* I had the thing secured, but obviously not. So it's not just enough to set the thing up and think everything's fine - you still need to check the logs on a frequent basis to make sure it really is working as intended.

Alex Hirsbrunner · 04-04-05, 04:16 PM

And don't forget it's not just your computer(s) that are at risk. The same folks are probably trying to use the password "GT40" as the password for ebay accounts etc. that have a matching user id to those in this forum. As pointed out earlier, never use a password that has anything to do with publically available information of yours (like your interest in GT40s).

Regards,

Al H.

Paul Thompson 'Hooligan' · 04-04-05, 06:22 PM

Obviously goes without saying, but always change any default passwords on hardware / installations. Many routers/DSL modems have default settings such as username = admin / password = admin and those that poke about know this, so change them as a priority.

Also - if using wireless - once set up you can set the network to not respond to 'public requests' so that they do not appear on a simple scan of available networks - plus, enable encryption and give it a password phrase that you will remember but do not disclose to others!

It all helps......