system intrusion through the internet/wireless internet and computer protection

I am very new to networking stuff, and I want to setup LAN at home.
I worry about computer security. For example, if my home machines are
connected to the internet, is it possible that hackers can get in my
machine's file directories through the internet? I know it is possible,
it matters how easy they can do it.

In what situations they can do that, normally they should not able to
do that, unless they install some spyware inside the machine, is that
correct concept? and what we should do to protect our machines? If I
setup firewall and anti-virus, it that good enough?

If my home has wireless setup, will the system intrusion more easier?

please advise. thanks!!

(E-Mail Removed) wrote in news:1126505560.788055.113410
@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com:

> I am very new to networking stuff, and I want to setup LAN at home.
> I worry about computer security. For example, if my home machines are
> connected to the internet, is it possible that hackers can get in my
> machine's file directories through the internet? I know it is possible,
> it matters how easy they can do it.
>
> In what situations they can do that, normally they should not able to
> do that, unless they install some spyware inside the machine, is that
> correct concept? and what we should do to protect our machines? If I
> setup firewall and anti-virus, it that good enough?
>
> If my home has wireless setup, will the system intrusion more easier?
>
> please advise. thanks!!
>
>

I'll assume you're using Win XP on some of the machines.

There is also a link for Win 2K too by the same people.

http://labmice.techtarget.com/articl...ychecklist.htm

Take note on using a router instead of ICS, get rid of the Everyone and
use Authenticated User group on shares, along with other security tips.

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/explain/about-NAT.asp

You should get a NAT router a wire/wireless AP NAT router that has
logging so you can use something like Wallwatcher so you can view traffic
to from the router in real time. You may spot malware traffic to dubious
IP(s) that have circumvented detection software such as AV(s), personal
firewalls and other such programs running with the O/S.

http://www.sonic.net/wallwatcher/#Routers

If you're using Win 9's or ME then you can password protect the share,
other than that, there is nothing you can do to protect those O/S(s) in a
LAN situation.

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/w...fisecurity.htm

Don't depend upon detection software like a crutch and look around on the
machines from time to time for yoorself with other tools like Process
Explorer, TCPview, Active Ports, etc.

Long version

http://www.windowsecurity.com/articl...jan_Horses_and
_Rootkit_Tools_in_a_Windows_Environment.html

Short version

http://tinyurl.com/klw1

Duane

In article <(E-Mail Removed) .com>,
(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
>I am very new to networking stuff, and I want to setup LAN at home.
>I worry about computer security. For example, if my home machines are
>connected to the internet, is it possible that hackers can get in my
>machine's file directories through the internet? I know it is possible,
>it matters how easy they can do it.
>
>In what situations they can do that, normally they should not able to
>do that, unless they install some spyware inside the machine, is that
>correct concept? and what we should do to protect our machines? If I
>setup firewall and anti-virus, it that good enough?
>
>If my home has wireless setup, will the system intrusion more easier?
>
>please advise. thanks!!

Here are four types of important protection for every
Internet-connected computer:

1. A firewall, to block access by Internet hackers. Windows XP has a
built-in firewall: Service Pack 2 has Windows Firewall, and earlier
versions have Internet Connection Firewall. A typical home broadband
router also acts as a firewall. I recommend using both a router and
Windows Firewall.

2. Antivirus program.

3. Automatic Windows Update to get patches from Microsoft. If your XP
machines don't have Service Pack 2 yet, install it.

4. Antispyware program. Microsoft Antispyware, even though it's still
a beta (test) program, is one of the best. Others include Ad-Aware SE
and Spybot Search & Destroy.

With a wireless setup, enable the highest level of security that your
equipment supports. From most secure to least secure: WPA2, WPA, WEP.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

On 11 Sep 2005 23:12:40 -0700, (E-Mail Removed) wrote:

>I am very new to networking stuff, and I want to setup LAN at home.
>I worry about computer security. For example, if my home machines are
>connected to the internet, is it possible that hackers can get in my
>machine's file directories through the internet? I know it is possible,
>it matters how easy they can do it.
>
>In what situations they can do that, normally they should not able to
>do that, unless they install some spyware inside the machine, is that
>correct concept? and what we should do to protect our machines? If I
>setup firewall and anti-virus, it that good enough?
>
>If my home has wireless setup, will the system intrusion more easier?
>
>please advise. thanks!!

Any computer network is vulnerable to intrusion and other malicious activity.
You need layered defense on all networks.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/please-protect-yourself-layer-your.html>

On a WiFi network, you need still more defense.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/setting-up-wifi-lan-please-protect.html>

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.