Network attacks on my computer? What are they all about?

Question

I seem to be getting loads lately.. little pop up messages saying there has been a network intrusion or something which has been repelled. Is someone trying to get into my computer. Aside from my fireall and antivirus is there anything else I should be doing to protect my laptop?

Answer 1

Norton is an abomination that you really should consider replacing at some time or another, however this doesn't answer your question...

If the popup is coming from a program on your computer then it has been configured to warn you of any potential attack irrespective of how minor it may be. Fortunately, most attacks on personal computers are trivial scans intended to determine whether your machine is visible on the internet and, if it is, what may be exploited. This happens constantly and even the built-in Windows XP firewall offers adequate protection from such attempts of host discovery.

Alternatively, just about every web site these days uses some form of intrusive marketing technique, like popups, to grab your attention. And some of these popups can be quite disturbing. Their goal is simple: they scare us into clicking on the popup in the hope that we'll purchase/download a product that we really do not need. If the popups you're getting fit this kind of description then simply ignore them - and use a popup blocker. They are nasty and prey on our fears.

For peace of mind, though, try the noted website to determine just how much of your laptop is visible to the outside world.

If you want a more thorough answer then you'll need to supply further information, such as Operating System type and version, which firewall software you use, your web browser of choice, the kinds of tasks that you use your computer for and how you connect to the internet.

(Incidentally, an earlier respondent suggested you invest in a wireless router - if you don't have one already. And that's fair enough. But be warned: if a wireless solution isn't configured with security in mind, you could get far more than you bargained for.)

Answer 2

Every computer in world which is online is "attacked" every 15 seconds. These attacks are hackers looking for unprotected computers all over the world to take over them.

If you have a firewall, hardware or software, then you will be ok.

I wouldn't recommend Norton, as it is so publicly advertised, many hackers try and sometimes succeed in hacking norton.

If you have a firewall and anti-virus I would say that you are protected, but not fully.

Here are the programs I would recommend:

Zone Alarm FREE- Firewall

www.zonelabs.com

AVG FREE- Anti - Virus

www.grisoft.com

Ad-aware FREE- Spyware Cleaner

www.lavasoftusa.com

Spybot search and destory FREE - Spyware Cleaner

www.safer-networking.org

All of the above software is FREE! and most possibly the best around.

Get rid if norton, It's not as good as people say.

Hope This Helps,

Spikey_Jay

Answer 3

If you are using a router try changin your settings in the security tab to something similar to these:
Block Anonymous Internet Requests
Filter Multicast
Filter Internet NAT Redirection
Filter IDENT (Port 113)

You can check to see if you have any visiable and/or open ports by going to www.grc.com and click on shields up. This will to a port scan on your connection. You don't want to have ports that let an attacker know that there is any machine at your IP address. If you have a visible port an attacker can see it if they ping your system.

Answer 4

Yes Norton Internet Security 2006 is the best antivirus going, and windows defender is also great to have if you do not have Norton, routers all have built in firewalls these days, mine has 2, then Norton has one, then my motherboard also has one built in to the hardware, but yeah try norton, or investing in a wireless router, as that willbeef up your security!

Answer 5

Use a seperate pop ub blocker to your anti virus too. This is to be sure to be sure to be sure even though you may also have a firewall. If all else fails- make sure you don't click anywhere dodgy because it may be a trap then you'll be inundated.....