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Articles
> Are you being hacked?
By
Henderson Computers
May 2000
(updated October 2002)
Lately, we
have come across a number of instances where we believe
"hacking" to be the cause of system problems. While the
number of systems infiltrated is still probably relatively small, the
rates are increasing.
If you thought
"hacking" was something that only happened to NASA or the
U.S. Government, think again. While the hacker most of us probably
recognise is glory seeker who sets out to infiltrate large secure
installations, it is now the next door neighbour who poses a bigger
threat to the likes of you and I. Even the most non technical person
or script kiddie can download user friendly hacking software that
gives them access to your computer. Passwords and logons, important
files, you name it. It can all be done by anyone with a mouse and
internet connection.
You become the
unwitting target of a hacker or script kiddie when a server program
is introduced to your PC. Server programs (such as Back Oriffice) are
usually introduced to your system by trojan means. A Trojan is a
program that either claims to be something else, or is installed
along with the program you expected to get without your knowledge - also
see Trojan Attacks.
A hacker or
hacking program works by scanning the Internet for systems infected
by server programs. When you go online, the server program allows
hackers access to your system through a port that the server program
has opened.
So what can
you do? In this situation a virus scanner isn't going to help you -
how can the program you just willingly installed be classified as a
virus? Sneaky huh. Say hello to your best defence - the firewall. A
firewall is a piece of software that sits between your connection to
the Internet and your PC - imagine it as the bouncer outside a club.
Additionally, the firewall wall protects you from both sides: it can
block both incoming traffic and outgoing traffic. Only you yourself
select what programs are to be given access to the Internet, and the
firewall accepts only incoming traffic that you have requested.
We have looked
at several firewall systems in the past week and found what we
believe to be the best for the price - $0.00. Zone Alarm is available
for personal use at no charge, or various charges depending on
features for corporate use. It is unobtrusive, stable, and extremely
robust. Download
Zone Alarm from Zone Labs. Zone Alarm is also effective against
Visual Basic worm scripts such as the I LOVE YOU worm of recent
infamy. Once installed, you can then test your firewall by attempting
to hack yourself (Yes! you can hack that easily to) from a site
called HackerWhacker. Go to the hackerwhacker.com
site and select the "test your firewall link". Scary stuff
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is protected by copyright 2000, Henderson Computers.
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