IP Address Question?

Hey Guys how are you doing?
I'm new and this is my first Post! :D .. What I'd like to know is: Can I stop ppl From reading my IP address? cause right now there's one guy! that I know of that I think might want to get into my Computer? I've got Win XP Home, and I've got zone alarm PRO! but,I got it off KazaA :rolleyes: . so I'm not sure if it's as good, or if it has some holes in it? is there a test I can make to see if I'm protected? or is there a program that allows my Computer to randomly change the IP Address for me? I've got internet Via Cable! so I'm alway on?
alright! don't want to ask too much in my first post! ;) .
Thanks!

What are you using that makes your IP address available? Do you have Password protected accounts on Windows XP? Why are you using pirated software, there are free versions out there. I would trust free over pirated anytime.

Thanks For the Reply Info Tech Geek!
So you think I should get rid of the zone alarm pro I got on KazaA? ;) that's what I'll do then! I'll get the free version!or is there anything better out there that is free?

And for myIP address! I'm not sure?I've got my account password protect but? I've just been on http://www.stayinvisible.com and they didn't have any problem telling me all sort of information?.. How could I stop that from happening?. is there a way?,a program? I'd really like to know how to stop someone from seeing all that info?

So if you can tell me what I should be using to prevent ppl from seeing all that info! or tell me where to go to get an answer to that? I've been looking on the net for the last week and? pffff!! well! I'm here now! :( so I think that this site is the best chance for me to get answers to what I'm looking For!! :cool: ..

Sites can setup scripts to do such and there are many other ways a user can find out. As for a firewall, I have a hardware firewall and as a software based I use Agnitum Outpost.

If you insist on using pirated software, which most individuals here frown upon. Atleast get a legit download and use another individuals registration number. These can easily be found by doing a search on google/yahoo or any other search engine.

*Note, I in no way/shape/form condone pirated software, but if a user is going to do it, they are going to do it no matter what I say.

You could use a proxy, but you cannot really change your IP or keep people from accessing it, through kazaa downloads especially. Zone alarm is a good start, and once you have that running you should be solid. Also, you might want to invest in a good router and/or turn on Microsoft's built in internet firewall.


Btw, why do you think a specific person is trying to mess with you?

Thanks alot Guys! :) ..
Hey I have a router?but about that zone alarm I got! do you think I should turn on windowsXP's internet Firewall as well as the Zone alarm? or do i have to turn one off?
And about that guy well!! he doesn't like me and In don't like him! and he can't kick my ass so!!..lol he's pretty good with computers and,well one of my friend told me he herd him saying stuff about that so!!! :mad: .. that's why I want to protect myself insted of kicking his ass and getting The law involved!!

I dont use either Zone Alarm or MS Firewall since my router's firewall is generally bullet proof. You should be able to run them side by side, and you can lock down Zone Alarm to only let out the programs you OK.

Go for a proxy or use things like www.anonymizer.com... etc... Nothing to do with pirated software. I am sure Kazaa is behind all this... hope it helps... cya

Softwares/products which offers IP address masking such as anonymizer etc.. will slow down your internet connection. (i tried using one of these and it slows down connection speed by as much as 50%).

Hey DigitalReligion!
How do I know if my router has a firewall in it? sorry but I'm really new at this!.
it's a D-Link Wireless Broadband Router! and at the front it says: DI-614+ but I don't know if that's enough information?

And about Zone Alarm PRO! how do I do that? do I just put all the security to Max? I've only had it for about a week and I'm not sure how to configure it!! :rolleyes: .

I feel kind of stupid but! I've got to start somewhere? .. but to my credit! I'm a fast learner! :D ..
Thanks Guys!!

If you havent changed the default configuration, it might be at...192.168.1.1 that you can get an administration page for your router. The default login is admin/admin or just admin as the password. The default settings for the firewall allows no response to probes, so you shouldn't have to tamper with it.

Also, if you're worried about someone you know in real life getting access to your machine, you should also look into locking down your Wireless connection, otherwise said person could sit in their car outside your house and possibly gain access to your network. You should make sure your connection is set up with WEP as well.

And don't worry about being a newbie at this stuff, I'm generally new to AO and I learn stuff every day. :)

edit: this post's references to default values apply to linksys routers, my bad.


I'm not quite sure if they're the same for D-Link products.

Quote: edit: this post's references to default values apply to linksys routers, my bad.
I'm not quite sure if they're the same for D-Link products.

lol..hey thanks for making a mistake DigitalReligion! it's making me feel better as a newbie! :)

Ya about the guy sitting outside in his car! ain't gonna happen here!. cause where I live,it's all country so! he'd have to be parked in my yard!!.. and if he's parked in my yard!:-) then I can kick his ass,witout having to be concerned about the law! ;) ..

OK then what about a proxy! or what ever that is? would it be good to have? and if so,are there places that I can get it for free?.. sorry but I'm on a tight budget here! :( ..

to fracl
remember: if you got the zone alarm from Kazaa, and you have problems, and you are STILL using Kazaa, nuff said, uninstall, or otherwise remove all links to them, until you feel happy letting people have access to your system. WIN XP Home is lower on the security ladder than the PRO version??
and unbelievably, not everyone that accesses your system will be your friend !!!!
not that Kazaa itself is at fault, the problem, as discused in a different thread, is people.

Well you are using KaZaA which will open a direct connection between you and the computer you are downloading/uploading files from. So what I belive this guy is doing is that he knows your username on KaZaA finds you and then downloads a song of you. That way all he has to do is to go into MS-DOS and type in 'netstat -n' in order to get your IP address. He'll most likely have you in his hotlist so that he can see you as soon as your online.
What I recommend you doing is to start by simply changing you username on KaZaA and making sure that nobody knows it (because honestly, there is no need for anybody to know it).
Hope its of any help to you. Good luck!

Wedjarl is dead on correct with regards to proxies slowing down your connection. I used Anonymizer and my connection speed slowed to a crawl not to mention it wouldn't let me view AO's website (stupid keyword filters :D). Anyways, the way I see it these days, your IP is the last thing you should be worried about hiding. There's multiple ways someone can get your IP and to be honest, even a proxy is only very limited in IP masking as your true IP is still active on your ISP's server (one simple scan of a domain will still show your IP as active). Also, with DHCP's, I find that knowing an IP is a rather useless bit of information that only goes so far when someone may be trying to fingerprint your specific system.
I basically gave up on masking my IP and just assumed that everyone on planet earth can find it if they wanted to. By that I mean, forget the masking, concentrate on securing your system to the point where even knowing your IP won't yield much for a hacker.

Alright Thanks!
And ShagDevil! this might sound stupid but! what steps do I need to take to secure my system to the point where even knowing your IP won't yield much for a hacker. :rolleyes: ..
I know I'm asking a lot but,where can I start? is there a how-to somewhere that I could read?

if you are running windows xp you can run the firewall provided with it and you could also set the security levels up higher so that your in invisiable mode, meaning your ip doesnt show. if your running older OS then the only thing I can think of is a third party firewall. Nortons internet security is pretty good and easy to configure or if you have a Road Runner account you could use there software EZ firewall and Antivirus but this is really a knock off of ZA. but it works. any thing you DL from Kazaa or any other Peer to Peer site will mosty likely come with problems. Free firewalls arent that great they arnt updated with the latest attack information and could leave you open to an attack. Hope this helps.

if you want information on setting up a router or a gateway I can show you how to set up a class A address with a class C subnet mask which works great in confuseing some hackers.

Thanks Ghost_25inf! :)
I'd like it if it's ok with you?

{QUOTE}
if you want information on setting up a router or a gateway I can show you how to set up a class A address with a class C subnet mask which works great in confuseing some hackers.

hi fracl
and welcome to antionline.
for a start look in the right corner and you will find search for forum and underneath you will find forum discations.
if you learn 5% of that you will be a computer genius.:)
zone alarm-no no for copy /downloading programs-if you have bad intentions you will be booted from here.(just little tip-if you use kazaa or whatever, downloading executive files can give /bring you some nasty viruses.
zone alarm-in a right corner you will find a blue question mark.clik it and you can learn about anithing in zone alarm.
on toight hand side overview and underneath-most of this sections have already recommended level of security -just read it and implement it.
you can check/take a test your pc here: http://scan.sygate.com/ and see what is possible to retrieve from your computer.
have a look on this site and tweak little bit your box www.xptuneup.com
disable couple services-find it here: http://www.blackviper.com/

have fun
good luck

sry it helps when on net to logg under limited user(with no administrative privilegis) so if your friend hack into it he wont be that happy/lucky:)

Hey Thanks unvi$ible! :)
I was looking for some stuff to read! so I'll learn what I can from reading? then I'll be able to post and look more like a pro!! :p ..

What fire wall do you guys think is the best

dont downlaod pirated firewalls they could be trojans :xbones:

I'm in a hurry and im going to work so I only read the first page of this thread.
And i didn't see anyone tell him not to d/l programs off kazza if he wanted to keep his computer clean.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks Guys!
I'm getting rid of Zone Alarm PRO that I got from KazaA!! :rolleyes: ..

But now I'd like to know with Firewall is the best for a guy like me? I'm just using my Computer at home! but would still like to get the best out there!!
Thanks! ;)

:) Yo,
You can also try Kerio Personal Firewall at www.kerio.com
It is free, like Zone Alarm. Play with it and Zone Alarm.
AVG Virus scan is free. Back up your files and apps onto a cd,
then play with your computer. If you have the means of doing
clean installs of your OS, by all means play with it.
Check the software out. Get AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy.
Read, read and read....

I did six clean installs in one day, not necessarily for fun to begin with,
but now I know a bit more about bios, file-systems, partitions, all the
little things that later come in handy. I now have a second box, and try to
wreck it occasionally. That's what hacking is about, in a way, tweaking and
configuring, messing with the registry, figuring out what .ini files are.
Snooping around the innards of "your" box. I'm really not to worried
about crashing my box, 'cause I have the important stuff backed up.
The rest is just icing on the cake. Eventually you get to the point were
you start getting these AHA moments, I understand now, the point of
getting hooked on IT. Or maybe not...just don't be afraid of that little silicon
monster inside the metal wrapper. What's it gonna do? Bruise your ego?
Bite your toes...besides, the other guy wanting to crash your box, so what.
Crash your own, fix it, crash it, fix it, crash it...after that you'll just shrug your
shoulder.

Now if you use the box for paying bills and looking at your account info from
your bank, then I would be very concerned. So before you start using
these services, make sure you understand the technology and the risks.
Having had some play time will make you more aware...

Have fun...
g8way2u

Yo! bluthund!
I have done a **** load of reformat's Myself :rolleyes: ..
But thanks for the advice for the firewall!! It's only a free version though! would it be enough to keep someone out of my Computer? I am doing Banking on it :eek: ... What about that Sygate one! is it pretty good? I've never heard of it,but wouldn't mind hearing your thought's on it!! :confused:
Thanks!!

EDIT: Hey Unvi$ible! this link is Dead? http://www.xptuneup.com

:)
frctl,

I cannot personally vouch for any particular product. I am pleased with
the commercial product I use. What you should look out for, is how the firewall
protects you. It is not enough to just filter/block incoming traffic, but outgoing as well.
This has the benefit of giving you some protection against mal-code that reports
back or starts going through your address book.
Will it block or filter various protocols? Does it recognize Frag and SYN attacks. Are there frequent updates, ie. support from the vendor.
One way of testing the efficacy of your firewall is to go to www.grc.com and do a 'Leak Test' and 'Shields Up' test. Don't run your box with admin privilidges and rename your admin account. Use strong and complex passwords, like abbreves of a phrase. Try not to reveal too much info about your platform. Also, part of the purpose of this forum is to learn how to use the networking tools available, and strengthen our defenses. ...I think so...

Remember that a firewall is not a Virus scanner. A 'AV' is generally a seperate app, and works only as well as long as you keep it updated and use it. Even then you might catch the flu,
'cause virii usually are there first, then the signature.
Google "Software Firewall reviews" or something similar. Their is plenty of info out there,
good and then not so good.

g8way2u

thanks a lot bluthund!
Great info ;) I just love that kind of Reply!! :cool:

If you're on a budget (which a lot of people are) there are alternatives to downloading pirated software (which will only get you in trouble) or spending money you can ill afford.

For a firewall, I like Outpost (Free version) by Agnitum. It has extra features that allow you to fine tune your browsing like Web site content filtering, ad and pop-up blockers, mail attachment filtering and DNS cache - just to name a few. Kerio Personal Firewall, Sygate and Zone Alarm also have free firewall versions which have been used by many here at AntiOnline.

There are 4 free antivirus programs you can check out. Alwil Avast Home Edition, Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus System, H+BEDV Datentechnik AntiVir Personal Edition and Softwin BitDefender Free Edition Version. All 4 programs have automatic pattern updates. Avast will scan your Outlook and POP3/SMTP email, AVG will scan email for Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora and Exchange client but AntiVir and BitDefender do not include email scanning.

If you are concerned at all about program stragglers, EasyCleaner by ToniArts works well at cleaning up system and registry files, has a backup option (in case you delete something you shouldn't have) and best of all - it's FREE! Definitely consider using Ad-Aware and Spybot Search&Destroy to guard against malware and spyware, both of which have free versions. A program I've been using ever since I read about it here on AntiOnline is SwatIt. It is a free Trojan scanning program that will scan individual files, folders or complete drives. You can also configure it to scan specific file types.

I noticed a new tutorial for securing Windows XP on the AO front page you may want to read and a site I've heard is great for Windows XP info is http://www.theeldergeek.com/.

This should give you a few more options to consider as well as more to read up on. Good luck.


V.

WOW!! thanks so much vvirtho! ;) .. I'm good for a while now! :) .

the main thing you need to know is how to get into your router, Like Linksys all you need to type in the IE address bar is 192.168.1.1 this will change later, but anyways it will prompt you for your user name and password if you never used this before it will be no user name and admin for the password, understand that this changes with the router u are using. now you should be in (if you arnt refer to router manual) in the setup page you should have the ablity to change the IP address to what you want. like 10.31.1.1 this is a class A address next below that is the subnet mask choose 255.255.255.0 this is your class C subnet mask. so now you will have a fake class A address. and if anyone was to look at your address they would think you where running a Class A address and they would make the mistake in using a class A subnet mask (255.0.0.0).

there is also a place in your router where you can filter out IP addresses, you could play with this also. IE block WAN requests.

If you are running directly off a modem none of this can be done. So get a good firewall and restrict anyone from connecting to your computer.

can i ask a question here or do i have to start a new thread?

If it's related to what's being covered in this thread, then yes, if not....start a new one.

Chers:

Hey thanks Ghost_25inf!
But I got in and change something,so now I can't go back in?.. so I called the company!! and me and the girl tried so many things? :rolleyes: but I still can't go back in? we tried reseting it and everything but!! finally I hung up cause it was all useless after a while? :rolleyes:

Anyways! I'm gonna try and get me a good firewall next month or so? Witch one chould I buy? I know this is asking a lot,cause of all the personal preferances but!! a few idea's would be nice! cause I don't want to get what the seller is gonna say is the bvest one because he's trying to get rid of his stock?
Also,should i get one with a popup blocker? or whatever els would be good in a package!!

I'd like to get something that's gonna pass the Sygate test?
Alright Thanks! ;)

Hey Guys!
Just an update on my situation!! Today I called back D-Link! and they got me all set-up :D .
I'm even passing the Sygate security Scan now!! now that's a big step for me.!So now I got rid of the zone Alarm PRO that i got off kazaA! and I'm not even using a firewall the way I'm setup :) ..
Now I'd like to know! am I safe enough? or should I still use a Firewall? cause i don't want to over do it?
But is passing that Sygate test good Enough is what I'd like to know?

Thanks!

I would still recommend that you use a software firewall.
There is no such thing as too much protection if you know how to use it.

Thanks For the Reply PoSer! :)
But! what kind of firewall do you suggest? Is the windows XP Home internal Firewall good enough with the hardware firewall I got?.. or should I get a free version of some kind? or,do you think I should get a pro Version? :confused: ..

:)
fractl,
you have to start somewhere...I am taking classes in routing (cisco) and network defense
and countermeasures. Guess what, there are a lot of knowledgeable folks in my class, and most of them have differing opinions about which software firewall is the best. It is the same here, in this forum or others; probably because of the various experiences we all have and also because the term "Firewall" means many things. A firewall is best described as the sum of software, hardware, and a good policy.

1. Software:
In order to communicate over the internet we need to agree on some kind of common language. That is what protocols are all about; they define the way the bits are arranged and transmitted. There are many protocols, and by their nature, each of them have vulnerabilities. Joe and Jane next door don't have time to learn everything about protocols, so they go out and download or buy software that mitigates these vulnerabilities and simplifies configuration.
Problem is, that some Blackhat out there figures a new way to exploit a new found vulnerability. The folks that produce software firewalls, spend time coming up with new defenses, ways to recognize the signatures of these 'exploits'. That is what "updates" are about, and that takes time and $$.

2. Hardware:
Routers and dedicated hardware platforms are a means of controlling the flow of traffic, the bits if you will. They use software themselves to regulate the protocols, but are more specialized. This kind of hardware gives you control over what kind of traffic you want to allow or deny and in which direction this traffic can flow. This is called filtering. NAT, or network address translation is another function of what some routers can do. The lines between software and hardware often blurs, as you can do many of these things on a regular computer, so as mentioned above, its all about specializing for certain tasks at hand.

3. Policy
This is probably the one area where you have the most control over. You decide who can use your computer and what they are allowed to do. This is "Access Control", and it starts with good "Passwords" and "Permissions" or user rights. Often you are the only user, but you still should use passwords. If you use software to protect your computer, you should keep it updated. Your OS needs to stay updated as well, because people frequently find new vulnerabilities that can be exploited. How you handle e-mails is something you control.
The choices you make in surfing various sites and what you download is in your control. Do you scan everything you download? Are you using good judgement in what you choose to download? There are many issues to consider, but maybe the single most important one is for you to continue to educate yourself in computerese, especially if security is important to you and you do not want to spend the money for someone elses help. It does take time to acquire the knowledge, just as Rome was not built in one day. Also, if you have a broadband or DSL connection, there is no reason to leave it on during the times you are away from your computer. Create a shortcut of the connection icon to your desktop or quicklaunch bar. It is not like a dial-up modem, where you have to wait a long time for the connection to be established. The main reason for a broadband or DSL connection is speed, or throughput, while you are connected, right? If there is no connection to the internet while you are away, nothing gets in, nothing gets out!!! And last but not least, stick to your policy.

I have tried to give you a "starting point", and as you can see, it turned into a lengthy reply. Others could easily give you more qualified explanations, this is just my way of explaining to you how complex your question can be. Do take heart.
Looks like you have your work cut out for yourself. Now get to work...

g8way2u

:)
LOL
I forgot, you can't scan downloaded files, if you don't have something to scan them with. So what do you scan the downloaded free Firewall or Anti-Virus app with?
Kind of a catch 22. Pure torture....

a little bit of humor...

g8way2u