Security Links, Tools, Patches, and Info
Updated/Revised on Wednesday January 24, 2007 06:56 PM Eastern

Since Internet security is now such a major issue, my job title at MicroTECH now includes Security as one of my specialties. This page is devoted to some  the different concerns that everyone should have about security. Now I know there is a TON of info available out there that I haven't covered in here. So what can I say? Security is a big issue, and as a result that's a lot of work for such a small and simple page. I don't maintain these pages enough as it is :(, and with the ever-changing scope of issues, it get really daunting at times sorry to say.

The TCP/IP protocol was designed for a great amount of flexibility and power. Unfortunately, in the wrong hands, it can be used to exploit as well. Steve Gibson's web site, grc.com, is a good example of what can happen. It has been subjected to several Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. You can read the article here.

The best way to close the infamous File & Print Sharing Security Hole by Steve Gibson at grc.com - Short of a firewall solution, the best place to close this one hole is to keep the hole from even forming.

Secure-Me by DSL/Broadband Reports - One of the best security scanners out there. Find out if your connection is secure. 
Shields Up by Steve Gibson at grc.com - Basic port security scanner. It scans only the common ports that may be open on your PC.
Shield Probe by DSL/Broadband Reports - Java-based port security scanner.
Sygate Online Services Security Scan - From the makers of Sygate products. Offers a simple port scanner, plus more comprehensive scans as well. Please take notice of one thing: As soon as you click on this link, it immediately scans for several common ports before the web page even starts loading.  ZoneAlarm users will see alerts immediately, as long as you are not behind a firewall and/or proxy server on your LAN, like I am.
Symantec Security and Anti-Virus Online Scanner - Another basic scanner. However, if you're behind a firewall or proxy server, it won't do a port scan now. It compares your machines IP address to what IP address you're coming in from. It includes a browser check to see if your browser will tell a site where you've been. And you can scan your system without having to install Norton Anti-virus. Great for simple scans. This, however, is NOT a replacement for a real AV scanner!!
VirusTotal
offers a free service of suspicious file scanning, using several antivirus engines. If you've found a suspicious file and you want to scan it with most of the popular AV engines, and have the option of submitting it to the AV companies, then here's a  one-stop link for ya.

Is there such as thing as too much security?
These two articles give varying accounts of security problems that consumers and businesses will face as broadband connections begin to permeate the Internet marketplace. Some seem to think that home users are not an at-risk group for crackers, but most broadband home users who incorporate a firewall into their network know that Trojans, Zombies, and port probes are done within minutes of connecting: Wired, MSNBC. - Article "borrowed" from DSL Reports. Thanks, Judas, for spotting them :)

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