Gibson Research Corporation – GRC.com

Have you tested your shields lately?

The folks at GRC have created a web-based scanner that will tell you exactly how secure (or insecure) your connection to the internet is (or isn’t). Click on over and you’ll find ShieldsUP listed under Services at GRC.com

Here’s what they have to say about their scan…

This Internet Common Ports Probe attempts to establish standard TCP Internet connections with a collection of standard, well-known, and often vulnerable or troublesome Internet ports on YOUR computer. Since this is being done from our server, successful connections demonstrate which of your ports are “open” or visible and soliciting connections from passing Internet port scanners.

via GRC | ShieldsUP! — Common Ports Probe .

The ShieldsUP scan is one of the tools I use and recommend, (along with lots of other offerings from GRC.com more on those later). It takes a minute or so to run the port probe, but the satisfaction that your internet connection is secure is well worth the wait. And if your connection is insecure you will get detailed information on the open ports, what the risks are, and what you can do about it.

Head on over and run the scan. If you don’t get a “True Stealth” rating let me know and I’ll see if I can help. Here’s the results of my most recent scan…

Your system has achieved a perfect “TruStealth” rating. Not a single packet — solicited or otherwise — was received from your system as a result of our security probing tests. Your system ignored and refused to reply to repeated Pings (ICMP Echo Requests). From the standpoint of the passing probes of any hacker, this machine does not exist on the Internet. Some questionable personal security systems expose their users by attempting to “counter-probe the prober”, thus revealing themselves. But your system wisely remained silent in every way. Very nice.

As you can see, the results are written in a clear and friendly style. Gibson Research Corporation is another one of the good guys out there helping to tame the wild and woolly internet for folks like you and me. Now go check your shields.

Tech Tip – Vulnerability Scanning – Secunia.com

Most Windows users know about Windows Update and probably have it set to check automatically for critical updates to Windows. But what about the rest of your software?

That’s where Secunia comes in to play. I first learned about Secunia from one of the network security conferences I regularly attend and found them to be one of the good guys.

Here’s what they have to say about their software inspectors…

Scan, detect, and update vulnerable programs. The Secunia Software Inspectors are the first internal vulnerability scanners that focus solely on detection and assessment of missing security patches and end-of-life programs – the result is an unprecedented level of scan accuracy. Scanning for missing security patches and vulnerabilities have never been easier or more precise.The Software Inspectors are perfect supplements to Windows Update as they inform about missing patches for thousands of third party programs. Secunia offers three Software Inspectors, each with a specific user focus.

I personally use the free PSI (personal desktop) product on my home computers and run the online scanner as part of my diagnostics when servicing clients. Give it a try and see what you think.

http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/

I often hear folks talking about problems they are having with their computers and the first thing I think is “How can I help?” Some people want advice, others want someone to just fix it, and still there are others who just decide to live with the problem. If you fit into either the first or second category, then you’ve come to the right place. I’m here to help.

I thought about changing the default title,but it actually seems pretty appropriate for my first blog entry. So let me start off by saying “Hello World, and thank you for stopping by.”

There are tons of options when it comes to getting your computer repaired, upgraded or even just diagnosed. The electronics stores have their tech teams, there are IT consulting firms, and then there are the people you know and trust. My goal is to become one of those people you know and trust with your computer.

Until next time,

Erik