Is cable really less secure...

Quote from Whamo:



I'm not trying to propagate fear. A couple of years ago I would have agreed with you on this one. But teenagers today are getting their Cisco Certifications (CCNA, CCDA, CCNP) while they're in High School. My girlfriend has a student that has all three of these certifications and he helps teach the CCNA course at the local community college on the weekends. Getting a copy of SnifferPro software shouldn't be difficult for him. Hell, when I was in High School I was lucky to have access to a PC:)
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Ok, let's slow up a bit here. Having been part of the early nerd club, I'd say the kid that you speak of here is not the one to be concerned about. I was teaching computer stuff some 20+ years ago assisting my professors also. The kid that would fit your profile would be more of the almost achiever rather than the achiever. And getting SnifferPro is not difficult for anyone. That takes no special connections or talents.

The kid you speak of can just about enter your system no matter how you configure it. I have several students that I work with in the local high school who could easily manage a break in. But they are also the students that are not interested in the neighbor's computer and its security. Six of my students this past summer were high school juniors looking to get their lives in order and on track early. All of my trainees are capable of passing the certification exam also.

My current crop are all working on mastering database creation/manipulation in MS Access and Oracle. My goal is to have them all workplace ready by the time they graduate high school. Just my way of giving back. :)
 
Quote from VVVWaveRiderVVV:

I was originally looking at the Linksys BEFSR11 or the Linksys BEFSX41. The BEFSR11 is a very popular router and "the built-in NAT technology acts as a firewall protecting your internal network." However, the BEFSX41 is only about $10 more expensive and "features an advanced Stateful Packet Inspection firewall" (whatever that is - it just sounds better - does anyone know the effective difference between the two firewall technologies?).

Are the Linksys router/firewalls not enough? Do the one's you mentioned do a better job? I'm a networking newbie, so I'm looking for the right balance - somewhat powerful, yet relatively easy to setup.
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The Linksys line will be fine. I use them on most of my home installs. They are robust enough, and easy enough, to take care of your needs. Spend the extra $10. The BEFSX41 gives you another level of protection. $10 doesn't sound like much (as a nerd I could techspeak babble about the thing/technology for hours) but it is a little better than its brother (BEFSR11). :)
 
Quote from nitro:
To solve this problem, some ISP's encrypt all cable modem trafiic, while others use a strictly router based conection with no LAN-type connection to nearby users.
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I just talked to the local cable company's internet tech support and they said they did not offer either of these. :( They suggested that I get a good software or hardware firewall. When I mentioned the lack of security on the local network and packetsniffers, they seemed confused and reiterated the firewall option. :mad:

Is the local neighborhood the only place that cable is less secure than DSL?
 
Quote from VVVWaveRiderVVV:


I just talked to the local cable company's internet tech support and they said they did not offer either of these. :( They suggested that I get a good software or hardware firewall. When I mentioned the lack of security on the local network and packetsniffers, they seemed confused and reiterated the firewall option. :mad:

Is the local neighborhood the only place that cable is less secure than DSL?
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Nope, this is standard. I don't think I would advise you to rely on a third party to protect your interests/data with the same vigor and determination as you would. Get proactive on this one. :)
 
Quote from canyonman00:



Ok, let's slow up a bit here. Having been part of the early nerd club, I'd say the kid that you speak of here is not the one to be concerned about...
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Agreed, my girlfriend teaches upper level math classes and these kids are too concerned with graduating as high up in their class as possible. Most wouldn't risk their status by doing something like this. However, it will make you think twice when you yell at your neighborhood kid:D
 
Quote from Whamo:



Agreed, my girlfriend teaches upper level math classes and these kids are too concerned with graduating as high up in their class as possible. Most wouldn't risk their status by doing something like this. However, it will make you think twice when you yell at your neighborhood kid:D
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that is funny...

yell at them, and instead of toilet paper on your house.... they will send you a "charmin virus" via cable.
 
Quote from canyonman00:
Nope, this is standard. I don't think I would advise you to rely on a third party to protect your interests/data with the same vigor and determination as you would. Get proactive on this one. :)
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I agree. No matter what they do or claim to do, I'll never rely on them totally for security. Glitches happen - even to the best of companies. I will use a router/firewall like the Linksys BEFSX41 (or a more expensive one if the increased security justifies the costs) no matter which high-speed technology I use. As I understand it, this will give me a decent level of protection from outside attacks and from internal breaches like trojans.

The only major problem/difference with cable appears to be local neighborhood crackers using packetsniffers to steal data before it gets out on the internet. Since reading that several people on elitetrader use cable, I thought someone might have figured a way around this or closed the vulnerability.
 
Quote from VVVWaveRiderVVV:


... The only major problem/difference with cable appears to be local neighborhood crackers using packetsniffers to steal data before it gets out on the internet. Since reading that several people on elitetrader use cable, I thought someone might have figured a way around this or closed the vulnerability.
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I wouldn't be too worried about it. Just make sure you have a good firewall and follow Nitro's recommendation. (Getting rid of the Adminstration login is brilliant!) Also never do a confidential transaction that's not a secure connection (padlock on the bottom of your browser) and make sure you keep your browser updated for security fixes (that goes for your OS).
 
Quote from iceman1:



that is funny...

yell at them, and instead of toilet paper on your house.... they will send you a "charmin virus" via cable.
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No more toilet paper, eggs, or soaping your windows...

"Get out of my yard!"

"Go sc**w yourself mister, I know what's on your hard drive. Does your wife like you having all that porn???"

:eek:
 
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