OP
Bird
Rest in Peace
Yeah, Paul, I'm on a cable modem.
Backdoor/SubSeven Trojan Horse
- Thread starter Bird
- Start date
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DocHeb
Veteran Member
Bird,
I would second the suggestion that you get a BEFSX41 Wired Router. They are running $70 on Amazon.com. You would run a Cat5 patch cord from your cable modem to the Router, and then plug your computer into the router. You will have to call your cable modem provider with your new MAC address (it is the "address" or "number" for your particular router and it found in the instruction manual). When I installed my router three years ago they tried to hassle me about having multiple computers connected and they wanted to charge me more, however they cannot tell how many computers you are running if you don't tell them (this router will connect up to four computers to the Internet on the same account.) Actually, the routers save them a lot of tech time since systems behind routers don't get screwed up and require tech advice to repair.
I have been running behind a Linksys Router for the past three years. It blocks every probe attempt. I've even checked my system through Gibson Research Shields UP!, and my system is rated as "invisible" to the script kiddies and hackers. I run Norton Personal Firewall just to limit pop-ups and to check which programs are accessing the internet. I've also turned up my Internet Explorer Options for security and privacy.
A word on wireless routers - an aquaintance has cancelled his cable modem contract since he can access up to a dozen wireless routers from within his subdivision. It seems that his neighbors aren't too careful with security settings, and for the last year he has had all his high speed access provided by unknowing neighbors with wireless routers!
You don't really need the latest versions of the Norton software. I have used Norton for at least nine years, and generally buy a new version with each new operating system. You can purchase Norton Antivirus Subscriptions to update the virus definitions on a yearly basis.
Not the advice of an alpha geek, nor the advice of a Holiday Inn Express patron, just telling you what has worked for me.
I would second the suggestion that you get a BEFSX41 Wired Router. They are running $70 on Amazon.com. You would run a Cat5 patch cord from your cable modem to the Router, and then plug your computer into the router. You will have to call your cable modem provider with your new MAC address (it is the "address" or "number" for your particular router and it found in the instruction manual). When I installed my router three years ago they tried to hassle me about having multiple computers connected and they wanted to charge me more, however they cannot tell how many computers you are running if you don't tell them (this router will connect up to four computers to the Internet on the same account.) Actually, the routers save them a lot of tech time since systems behind routers don't get screwed up and require tech advice to repair.
I have been running behind a Linksys Router for the past three years. It blocks every probe attempt. I've even checked my system through Gibson Research Shields UP!, and my system is rated as "invisible" to the script kiddies and hackers. I run Norton Personal Firewall just to limit pop-ups and to check which programs are accessing the internet. I've also turned up my Internet Explorer Options for security and privacy.
A word on wireless routers - an aquaintance has cancelled his cable modem contract since he can access up to a dozen wireless routers from within his subdivision. It seems that his neighbors aren't too careful with security settings, and for the last year he has had all his high speed access provided by unknowing neighbors with wireless routers!
You don't really need the latest versions of the Norton software. I have used Norton for at least nine years, and generally buy a new version with each new operating system. You can purchase Norton Antivirus Subscriptions to update the virus definitions on a yearly basis.
Not the advice of an alpha geek, nor the advice of a Holiday Inn Express patron, just telling you what has worked for me.
CTyler
Veteran Member
My Toshiba cable modem had a very small reset button on the back. When switching to another PC, router, switch(not hub) etc.. you had to register the new MAC address with the modem not the provider. The reset button would register the new MAC and start working again.
ducati996
Banned
DocHeb,
Overall good advice but i have to correct you on a few things.
The MAC address on the cable modem is a fixed number imbedded in the modem. You dont need to call the cable company at all. Install the cable modem to the WAN port on the router, and you PC to an open port...
You do need the latest version of whom ever you choose
( Norton, AVG) because they handle the trojans better, updates are just definitions but the newer versions block hijacks, worms, etc.....you would also need a software Firewall ( Zone Alarm 4.5) like it was suggested earlier in this post....
Ducati
Overall good advice but i have to correct you on a few things.
The MAC address on the cable modem is a fixed number imbedded in the modem. You dont need to call the cable company at all. Install the cable modem to the WAN port on the router, and you PC to an open port...
You do need the latest version of whom ever you choose
( Norton, AVG) because they handle the trojans better, updates are just definitions but the newer versions block hijacks, worms, etc.....you would also need a software Firewall ( Zone Alarm 4.5) like it was suggested earlier in this post....
Ducati
I didn't have to contact the cable company at all to install the router at my house or my dad's house. Just plug the cable modem into the router and the computer into the router and that is it.
Bird, Norton makes several different products and then packages them differently. The Personal Firewall is available as a standalone product but is also included in the System Works package and the Internet Security Package. For example, NIS has antivirus, personal firewall, popup blocker, parental control list etc.
The 2004 versions of Norton products require "activation" and I am leary of upgrading for that reason. Last year Intuit required it for Turbotax and it screwed up a lot of people. The were using Macrovision C-dilla and were actually writing to parts of the hard drive that are not supposed to be written to. They forced many people to actually purchase new versions when the activation didn't work right out of the box. It was such a big problem they have discontinued its use. Now Norton is trying it and won't release any details about what they are doing. I purchased three copies of Internet Security for home and purchase the subscriptions every year but it really bugs me that they want to treat me like a criminal now. If I replace my harddrive or other components in my machine are they going to let me reactivate?????? Nobody knows. I think the fact that I need to purchase the subscriptions every year should be enough verification for them. Go fight the pirates somewhere else....not on my computer. Sorry for the rant.
I suggest running the ShieldsUp program at GRC.com.
Good Luck,
Kevin
Bird, Norton makes several different products and then packages them differently. The Personal Firewall is available as a standalone product but is also included in the System Works package and the Internet Security Package. For example, NIS has antivirus, personal firewall, popup blocker, parental control list etc.
The 2004 versions of Norton products require "activation" and I am leary of upgrading for that reason. Last year Intuit required it for Turbotax and it screwed up a lot of people. The were using Macrovision C-dilla and were actually writing to parts of the hard drive that are not supposed to be written to. They forced many people to actually purchase new versions when the activation didn't work right out of the box. It was such a big problem they have discontinued its use. Now Norton is trying it and won't release any details about what they are doing. I purchased three copies of Internet Security for home and purchase the subscriptions every year but it really bugs me that they want to treat me like a criminal now. If I replace my harddrive or other components in my machine are they going to let me reactivate?????? Nobody knows. I think the fact that I need to purchase the subscriptions every year should be enough verification for them. Go fight the pirates somewhere else....not on my computer. Sorry for the rant.
I suggest running the ShieldsUp program at GRC.com.
Good Luck,
Kevin
I get my cable hookup through adelphia. When I first signed up with them, I had to either call them with the MAC number when I switched the cable from one computer (or router) to another, or else wait something like 10-12 hours for it to refresh on its own. It was definitely an attempt to try to charge me for multiple users. Since then, they have apparently decided to give up and go with the flow. Now, all I have to do is unplug and wait about 20 to 30 seconds and it refreshes itself. I currently have 5 computers networked to a Linksys wired and/or wireless router/switch (an 801.11b model that cost me less than $50 after rebate at Circuit City). Three of them are hardwired via Cat 5 cable and two are wireless laptops. Two of them are older computers that will go away once I have finished milking them of their stored data.
Bird, the suggestion to use a router even if you only have one computer is a good one. The router has a hardware firewall that is pretty much foolproof. Like the others mentioned, my system, tested on Shields, does not exist as far as the outside world is concerned. There is really no need for a software firewall if you interpose a router between your computer and the cable modem. Then, if you pick up a second computer someday, you'll be all set to network it.
Bird, the suggestion to use a router even if you only have one computer is a good one. The router has a hardware firewall that is pretty much foolproof. Like the others mentioned, my system, tested on Shields, does not exist as far as the outside world is concerned. There is really no need for a software firewall if you interpose a router between your computer and the cable modem. Then, if you pick up a second computer someday, you'll be all set to network it.
DocHeb
Veteran Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When I first signed up with them, I had to either call them with the MAC number when I switched the cable from one computer (or router) to another, or else wait something like 10-12 hours for it to refresh on its own. It was definitely an attempt to try to charge me for multiple users. )</font>
Thanks for the validation of my needing to supply the MAC address when installing my router. I was an early user, signing up for cable modem with RoadRunner in late 1998. I guess my information is not current.
If your cable system uses Dynamic IP addresses (the IP address changes each time you sign-on), I also think the Personal Firewall is unnecessary.
Thanks for the validation of my needing to supply the MAC address when installing my router. I was an early user, signing up for cable modem with RoadRunner in late 1998. I guess my information is not current.
If your cable system uses Dynamic IP addresses (the IP address changes each time you sign-on), I also think the Personal Firewall is unnecessary.
JASTN70D
Gold Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( . I get several a day any time, but today, it's several a minute and I just can't figure out why. )</font>
Look at it this way someone found a door that they can keep trying to open at your house and they are not giving up until they have tried everything that SOMEONE ELSE has written (Software) to try and brake in. It no longer takes any skill to hack just a demented personality
Look at it this way someone found a door that they can keep trying to open at your house and they are not giving up until they have tried everything that SOMEONE ELSE has written (Software) to try and brake in. It no longer takes any skill to hack just a demented personality
JASTN70D
Gold Member
The MAC address issue is a company by company decision and we find in some cases an area by area requirement. The switching equipment that you happen to be connecting to from your house determines this requirement. Yes it is going away but there are even some new service providers that require it.
And your correct it has everything to do with sharing. The problem that arose for the Cable/DSL companies is that everyone needs a firewall. And in that they are all routers also sharing is just built in. We have had many arguments with these companies. And sometimes it just ends with the customer moving on. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. competition works.! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
And your correct it has everything to do with sharing. The problem that arose for the Cable/DSL companies is that everyone needs a firewall. And in that they are all routers also sharing is just built in. We have had many arguments with these companies. And sometimes it just ends with the customer moving on. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. competition works.! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
CTyler
Veteran Member
Just fyi...
Dynamic IP addressing or DHPC may/may not change your address. This depends on how long the lease is for the IP address. Even if the lease expires in a week for example you may, probably will, get the same address again.
There are commands than can be run from a DOS window like IPCONFIG /ALL that will show you your IP addy, lease time etc, etc.. You can also release and renew your DHCP address manually.
Note: If you have a router you will need to look at the address and lease time on the router not your PC.
Dynamic IP addressing or DHPC may/may not change your address. This depends on how long the lease is for the IP address. Even if the lease expires in a week for example you may, probably will, get the same address again.
There are commands than can be run from a DOS window like IPCONFIG /ALL that will show you your IP addy, lease time etc, etc.. You can also release and renew your DHCP address manually.
Note: If you have a router you will need to look at the address and lease time on the router not your PC.
