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File and Print Sharing

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by dwilcox 2 views

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What security concerns would I have if I setup File and Print Sharing on local PCs?
Here are the details:
1. PCs are on a state-wide WAN that feeds smaller local office LANs.
2. The OS on the PCs is Windows 98 & 98SE.
3. TCP/IP with DHCP is used for Internet access and Email.
4. Novell is needed only for accessing the servers on the campus LAN.

5 replies

by michael_lunt

If you enable File and Print sharing on your desktops you will open the following can of worms:

1. Win98 PC's will all act as "File Servers" and can be accessed from the Internet.

2. It is possible to load software (and "Back Orifice" is only one example) to enable remote control of a PC on your network.

3. The remote controller will then have access to any files/servers the PC normally has access to.

4. Controlling software will use the existing drivers for Novell IPX etc to accessthe LAN.

5. Any Hacker with a knowledge of Novell will have an open line to then use Novell Crackers to obtain Supervisor access to the Novell Server/s

This may be a little simplistic but the potential exists and constiutes a major security hole.

Regards,

Mike Lunt.

by sergey kovzik

If you don't need to share files and printers across WAN - you can safely unbind those services from TCP/IP. About IPX - if you use it only inside LANs - everything is fine. Nobody from outside will be able to connect to your network via IPX. For more safety you can configure firewalls and packet filtering on routers. Only unsafe place - browsers and e-mail clients. it's better to install service packs and use antivirus software to prevent attack by e-mail. If you have publicity accessible web/mail servers - you should check manufacturers for updates and related issues.

Sincerely, Sergey
Brainbench MVP for Win98 Administration

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