Posted by Henry Alken on January 27, 2004 at 23:27:36:
Last year my computer was attacked by the MUMA virus. This virus deposits executables and batch files and lists of IP addresses to call, into the \WINNT\SYSTEM32 directory. It used my computer to send out more attacks against other machines.
I traced the virus IP back to China - Beijing.
I installed a Firewall and performed Virus checks with AVG. The Firewall required constant monitoring and entry of additional reject information. But the system worked. I could watch the Chinese trying to enter my machine and being rebuffed by the Firewall.
Then my son suggested I get a Router. This was the best thing ever! With the Router, I no longer need a Firewall and I don't need to perform virus checks except monthly. I visit the Symantec site from time to time where they will perform a free "virus attack" on my machine and tell me if there are any loopholes that would permit entry. There are none.
The Symantec test site is:
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/sc_ipcheck.asp?j=1&langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=22&pkj=GPIBLSIVFWMFKPXKBQW
It checks every Port for vulnerability and gives you a report.
In regard to email and attachments. I use Hotmail which is free. Hotmail checks all email and attachments for virus using McAfee. So before I open any attachment, Hotmail tells me if it is safe. I do not use Outlook for email.
The Router I use is a small box called Linksys Model BEFSR41 costing about $40. I love it. It makes the Chinese very frustrated.
Henry