--- TIC-TECH message:
More and more teachers have been buying a Cable Web connections, DSL, and
other "always connected" Internet access. That's great, no waiting to
connect and such. BUT, as usual with more powerful tools, the power is a
double edged sword! (THis also applies to Dial-up Web access).
With your connection to the Internet and the world always open, it means
that Hackers have an easy access right into your computer. Anyone,
anywhere in the world can slide right in and do whatever they want inside
your computer. Some of my students have reported being scanned by hackers.
I would suggest that you leave your computer off or disconnected when not
using it (kind of invalidates the instant-on feature of the direct Internet
connection). Or, you need to look into "fire walls". I don't know if the
direct Web connections come with a Fire Wall or not. Or, if the Fire Wall
is all that good.
There is a simple and effective way to test your system. You can go to a
Web site that probes your computer for vulnerabilities (with your
permission). You may be amazed at how easily a hacker can get information
about your computer. In fact, parts or your computer's software is
designed to make it easier for other computers to connect to your computer.
But, it was meant to be used in secure networks where you trust all of the
other computers.
In fact, the tips that you get from this site can let you eliminate things
like having to logon to your own computer when your account is the only
account. I have had my networking kids use this site and I periodically
use it myself. New hacker attacks come along all of the time and this site
tries to keep up with them.
Just fire up your Web Browser and go to ...
And click on the "Shield'sUp!" Icon
-Wes
wfelty@gte.net
- End TIC-TECH message. To join, leave, or visit
the message archive, go to Tic-Tech on the Web:
http://fp.seattleschools.org/fpclass/tic-tech/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Thu Jan 04 2001 - 22:35:36 PST