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Apps accessing internet

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by mmunzer

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How does one stop applications reporting back to the vendor withoout my consent on WinXP Pro?
Is their a security policy template available or do I have to make one? I am on ADSL with permanent connection and I am concerned about this breach.

5 replies

by thechas

You can try enabling XP's built in firewall.

I recommend instead that you download and install Zone Alarm from www.zonelabs.com

When these applications attempt to access the internet, Zone Alarm will pop-up a window asking if you wish to allowaccess. Select NO and check the box to remember the setting.

Next, I recommend that you try a Spy-ware finder such as AdAware from www.lavasoft.de or Spybot Search and Destroy from www.download.com

Chas

by mmunzer

Thanks for the suggestions. Really need to have a Windows based solution not a third party. Their should be a way to stop any app from accessing the net without admin approval through policies.

by thechas

On ANY broadband connection, you really should have a good firewall installed.

You can manually block ports, but a good firewall will open and close ports for you as needed.

Microsoft did not include a very good firewall with XP. That is why I suggested that you install Zone Alarm or a similar program.

Many programs are designed to check the internet on a regular basis.
Acrobat Reader
Most anti-virus programs
Some web browsers check for updates when loading

A firewall program isreally the simplest way to handle what you wish to do.

My primary reason for recommending Zone Alarm, is that you can get a free version, and Zone Alarm is highly rated as a good firewall.

Chas

by mmunzer

Thanks Chas for your imput.
My router uses a firewall and an IDS.
The issue is that I want to use policies and certificates to monitor apps attempting to contact their sources on the internet. I find this to be a very serious security issue. As far as monitoring the ports and giving permissions through a 3rd party program in my opinion is a poor way of resolving the issue. I am using Win2k server, Win2003Enterprise Server and WinXP and it is very easy to stop accessbut there seems to be a lot of grey matter if you wish to stop access for progs to the net.
Take care, John

by curacao_dejavu

you can use MS ISA server.
If you install the proxy client and use the rules only the apps that you define can access the internet. And you can enable loggs too on all possible incoming and outgoing communications.

Leopold

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