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DSL Security

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by void4ever

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A friend of mine just got dsl, he runs through Verizon for the line, and an ISP called Icehouse for internet. Just 2 days ago he realized that he could see 40 some computers in his Network Neighborhood. Not only that, but those computers that aren'tpassword protected he has full run of, including quite a few busniesses. I've talked with the ISP and Verizon and of course they blame eachother. Normally i would blame Verizon, but this time i think i'm gonna have to go with the ISP. They said something about having this problem since they started offering DSL, but had gotten it down to only 4 users, which is still unacceptable. I personally think it has something to do with there routers, but any suggestions would be welcome, because the ISP doesn't seem to know what the heck they are doing. I'm very computer savvy so please be as technical as you like, though i will admit my networking is a little rusty :) Please any ideas, this is a HUGE security risk, and it must be dealt with.

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by ebob

It's really a problem for those "40 some computers" that your friend can see, but perhaps not so much for your friend.

Assuming that he has taken the necessary precautions (does not use NetBEUI, has turned off file sharing, and uses a firewall ofsome sort), he's just fine.

Have a look at: Shields Up! (https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2) for some specifics on this.

On the other hand, this looks like an opportunity for an enterprising, and honest, soul to help out his/her neighbours andperhaps make a couple of bucks. "For $20, I'll come over and secure your systems, since right now they're open to various attacks...". Not to mention calling up both Verizon and the ISP with similar offers (but perhaps for more $$$).

by otto3

I doubt that the problem lays with the ISP or Verizon. Nor is it the router settings which can be blamed. I have a cable modem and would be very upset if the the cable company would try to restrict my access in any ways. The problem with restrictionis, that today is NetBIOS what we block and tomorrow we'll block UDP or any other protocol. This is a slipery slope and it's best left up to the end users. Securing internet access is the responsibility of the end user. There are numerous free or low cost personal firawalls available, like the Tiny Personal Firewall, Black Ice, etc. People needs to learn how to use them, but they won't do it until someone messes up their PC. If you want to blame the ISP or Verizon, you could for the reason thatthey didn't educate the end users of the dangers of having a 24/7 connection to the internet. They should anbd I'd go along with that.

Otto

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