Hackers and Firewalls

[charleychacko]

QUESTION:  I’ve heard that a hacker can get into my computer and cause havoc.  Is this true?

The short answer is “maybe.” If you have a stand-alone PC that uses a basic dial-up connection with a standard modem, you are not all that likely to be attacked.  On the other hand, if you’ve made the move to a high-speed, always-on connection like DSL, cable modem, or high-speed wireless, you are a much more promising target. 

The reason:  hackers use programs called scanners which automatically cruise the Web in search of computers that they can access and exploit.  If you are using dial-up access, your ISP assigns a new IP address every time you log on to the Web.  For hackers who want to plant a program in your machine for future use - as in a denial-of-service attack - that makes it very difficult to relocate your computer when the time comes to commence mischief making.

With always-on access, however, there’s a good chance that you have a static IP address, so once you’ve been found out,  you’re always accessible as long as your computer is turned on.  And the fact that your machine is always hooked up to the Web just increases the odds that someone with less-than-noble intent will knock on your computer’s door someday and find it ajar.

So if you fall into any of the above categories, should you consider installing a firewall?  Until recently, I would have dismissed the suggestion, but in this day and age it might be worth considering.  A firewall protects your machine by screening incoming and outgoing network traffic and deciding whether the traffic is safe and allowable.

Firewalls are widely available.  ZoneAlarm and BlackICE are just two of the better-known products that you can get through the Web.  Check out: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login and You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.

Installing a firewall used to be a real chore, requiring knowledge of network protocols, port numbers, and packet types.  Increasingly, however, firewall makers are targeting users who don’t have a really thorough knowledge of the intricacies of Web technology - which is most of us - and firewalls are becoming easier and easier to install.