Online Security;
Do You Have It?

ATTENTION: All Cable and DSL users, especially those using Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. Your computer can be used to attack another computer. Even Dialup users can be used to attack another computer.

PLEASE READ BELOW!!!

Denial of Service Attack (or DoS Attack): DoS or DDos (Distributed Denial of Service ) attacks are being used to bring down other web sites.

A DoS Attack is where a hacker has taken control of your computer to flood a web site with requests, ultimately bringing down the web site. DoS attacks also have the potential to stop the internet to a halt.

In other words, if enough of these hackers commandeer unsecured business and home computers, they can coordinate a Super DoS attack that will literally bring the World Wide Web to a halt. What's more is that if these hackers can use your computer to attack another computer, your personal or business data is at their fingertips for their bidding.

However, you and I can stop all this by securing our computers from these hackers.

No, this isn't some scare tactic. This is a real and legitimate problem that even the FBI acknowledges.

What This Means and How You are Hacked
Those of us who use DSL or Cable are connected to the Internet at all times. Left as is, your computer is broadcasting to the internet that you are available for dialogue, leaving your computer open for hackers to intrude and take over.

Your computer has what are called ports that it communicates through. These ports allow email, web browsing, downloading of files, chat, and online gaming to name a few.

Left unprotected, these ports leave your computer open to intrusion. In all, your computer has over 65,000 ports, which gives hackers that many choices to exploit your computer.

Hackers use a piece of software called port scanners. When a port or many ports are found available, these hackers can use the open ports to put tiny programs called Trojans that once installed, erase themselves from sight. There these Trojan programs email the hacker the information needed and await for the hackers command to attack.

How to Protect Yourself
If you are connected via DSL, Cable Modem, T-1, or even Dial up for long periods of time, then YOU NEED A FIREWALL!

What is a firewall?
A "Firewall" is a piece of hardware or software that keeps intruders out of your computers ports. It basically makes your computer "stealth" or non-existent to the internet (which is a good thing). *note - behind these firewalls, your email, web browsing, chat and other services will work as usual. You just need to configure the firewall to let them work, this is where we can help you out.

Types Of Firewalls (Hardware and Software Based)

Hardware Based Firewalls
Firewalls that require hardware would be from companies like D-Link (www.dlink.com), or Linksys (www.linksys.com). These are usually referred to as gateways or routers. Using one of these Hardware Firewall solutions is the most secure solution and highly recommended if you are running a small office or business. Prices range from $90 to $400.

Software Based Firewalls
However, software based Firewalls are less costly. Black Ice Defender and Norton Firewall are two of the most popular, but exhaustive tests have concluded these applications are less effective solutions. Prices range from $30 to $50.

How P.L. Ruth can help your online security?
At your request, P.L. Ruth can come out to your work place and run a few small, quick tests that will identify "security leaks" using software called LeakTest. This is the same software used by the FBI and IBM to make sure new workstations are secure for internet connectivity.

If your connection proves to be compromised, you can hire P.L. Ruth to install ZoneAlarm or any other Firewall solutions and configure it for you at the rate of $50 an hour. 

Prevention
After you have implemented a firewall or security to protect you computer online, you will have taken an active part in being responsible for preventing these DoS Attacks. And more importantly, you have effectively protected your data from intruders.

HELP!!!!
If this page is flying over your head or you are confused or even skeptical any of this is real, then contact us . We have adopted this as part of our mission to educate and inform our clients when it comes to your computer and web related services...especially security. This not only protects your business, but keeps our clients online and running so we can stay in business too....making a healthy working relationship.

• May 7, 2002: Web Attack in the Workplace.
• Description of an actual DoS Attack in full detail to prominent web site GRC.COM.
• What's wrong with my Windows 2000© or Windows XP© computer and how is it so vulnerable? These New Operating Systems give full access to your computer.
• More information on Code Red Worm
• MSNBC HEADLINER: FBI urges extra caution with Windows  XP bug: Users urged to disable features impacted by security holes.
• Jan 8, 2002: U.S. computers vulnerable to attacks.
• Jan 8,2002: Over 17 million copies of Windows XP sold.
• Jan 15, 2002: Windows XP updates on hold.
• Jan 22, 2002: Internet still dangerous place. Despite increased spending, systems still vulnerable.

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