Is my computer safe?

[KateB]

I use Nortons Antivirus 2002 and Internet Explorer's (version 6) firewall. I did this security test which I know is probably a bit biased. It reccomended me buying 'Norton security' and getting a personal? firewall. The results showed that these ports were vulnerable to:

hacker exposure

ICMP Ping Ping. Ping is a network troubleshooting utility. It asks your computer to acknowledge its existence. If your computer responds positively to a ping, hackers are more likely to target your computer.

23 Telnet. Telnet can be used to log into your computer from a terminal anywhere in the world. This port should be open only if you're running a Telnet server.

80 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). HTTP is used to transfer Web pages over the Internet. Port 80 should be open only if you're running a Web server.

trojan horses

1025 Unused Windows Services Block
54321 Back Orifice 2000
60000 DeepThroat

I also did the pcpitstop test which only reported 'minor problems' in the hard-drive and Internet Explorer. There were still a few things I didn't understand though like my OS identifying itself as 'Windows NT' when it's actually 'Windows XP'.

I'd like to try AVG but would Nortons not be needed at all then? I renewed the virus definitions subscription a few months ago as I thought my computer was being protected.

I don't know how serious these problems are or what I should do about them

 

[DummFounded]

Personnally i would use a different firewall. Can get free ones all over the place. I use ZoneAlarm, I've had a few spyware probs but all attributable to other people using my computer. Tried to run the Norton security test and it will not even run because of my firewall.


Always remember, your computer is never 100% safe. There will always be holes somewhere. Just play it smart and you should be fine enough.

 

[mobo]

Please run this test and tell me its results http://grc.com/lt/leaktest.htm

 

[KateB]

Firewall Penetrated!

LeakTest WAS ABLE to connect to
the main GRC.COM Web Server!

LeakTest was not prevented from connecting to the Gibson Research web server. You either have no firewall, you have deliberately allowed LeakTest to connect outbound, or (if neither of those), LeakTest has just slipped past your firewall's outbound "protection", if any.

I recently installed Windows XP service pack 2. Are there any conflicts between that and ZoneAlarm?

 

[DummFounded]

Not that i have come across, but i have only had SP2 update for about a week.

 

[DummFounded]

passed leaktest with my zonealarm running.

 

[mobo]

There have been a few instances of users repoorting troubles with xp sp2 firewall and zone alarm running together so watch for that.