Security
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Desktop, laptop, wireless router security
We recently purchased a wireless router to hook a cable connection up to a desktop (wired) and a laptop (wireless). I heard
the desktop can be hacked when using the cable connection through a router, even though it's not hooked up wirelessly. This
sounds totally absurd to me, and I was wondering if the sales people were trying to make a buck off the security system they
sell. My desktop currently runs Zone Alarm 6 firewall.
- Wendy Herrick
I'm a little suspicious of the claim at face value. It is possible that a desktop can be hacked, but it wouldn't matter whether you were wired or wireless - the information can be had either way. Here's a checklist of things to do on a periodic basis that should go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of your computer's info being obtained by those who shouldn't be seeing it:
- Keep the firewall firmware current on the router. Since you are effectively using two different routers at the same time, you would update the firmware on the router and make sure you also have the latest version of Zone Alarm as well.
- Keep your anti-virus software up to date. The protection is provides is only as good as the latest set of signatures that you use. Also make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed. You can address several vulnerabilities simply by applying the updates. Although theoretically you shouldn't have to do it often, I generally check every few days just in case a serious vulnerability has been fixed in advance of the normal patch release date. Make sure that if you are using other applications, such as Microsoft Office or other application packages, that you have the latest updates installed for those, too.
- Use a browser other than Internet Explorer. Firefox is the one that I use more than anything else. I seem to have fewer problems with pop-ups and other issues. I still use IE for those Web sites and Web management consoles that only support the use of IE. As you can see, it won't be any one thing but a collection of steps that have served me well. Running an occasional pass of either Spybot or Ad-Aware can also help fend of other potential problems.
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