Internet Storm Watchers
Most of us are content with the protection a firewall affords us, and don’t bother to analyze the data the programs collect. Which ports are being probed? How often? Is the same source IP repeated with alarming frequency? We rarely check. The information locked away in those unexamined log files could potentially prevent script kiddie rampages, stop the spread of malware, and even help track and prevent hacker break-ins. And yet those files go largely unanalyzed, especially by home users. The firewall does its job, and we’re satisfied.
Your Turn -- Linux Questions Answered
A short time ago I wrote an article discussing resources for Red Hat 8.0. Widely touted as a more “user-friendly” version of Linux, I gave it a whirl and intended to share my views with you. Instead, I will respond to some of the many, many questions readers sent in. Thank you all for your feedback! You’ve raised some very good issues.
LInux Steps Up To The Desktop
If you're like me, you've considered eliminating Windows from your computer at some point. The upgrade scheme is confusing, and there's an endless stream of hacks, viruses, worms, and exploits that target Windows computers exclusively.
Linux, by comparison, appears to be more stable. It seems to require less maintenance, and there aren't any legal strings attached to it. It does, however, have a "geeks only" reputation that scares away many novices early on. Recently, Red Hat, a Linux software company, has made an effort to change that techs-only image.
Windows: How to Protect a Hacker's Favorite Target
Hacking incidents are on the rise - August 2002 was the most active month for hacking since the dawn of the Internet. The target? Primarily Windows systems. Formerly Linux systems were the hacker's target of choice, but now they're breaking their way in to the Windows OS.
One reason for the switch is that cracking a Linux server is a point of pride; Linux admins are typically security-conscious and pose a challenge to the intellectual hacker. With such ego-inflating attacks on the decline and criminal attacks on the rise however, Windows systems are more popular targets because they're easier to break into. Microsoft releases warnings about security holes constantly, with patches following quickly. But how quickly are these patches located and applied? The lazy, criminal hacker hopes you'll forget to patch and make his break in easy.
Hom RF a Better Wireless Solution?
Wireless networks are growing at an exponential rate. It’s no wonder they’re so popular – there are no wires to trip over, there’s no need to drill holes in walls, and the hardware is cheap enough for home users to afford easily.
Wireless Insecurities
Wireless networks are catching on at an alarming rate. While they solve many problems that can’t be solved with traditional wired LAN (local area network) technology, at the same time wireless LANs (WLANs) raise many troubling security issues.
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