I'm not a network expert. But this may be a better question for Networking and Sharing forum. In the old days it was common to take an older machine and put Linux on it to run it as a router. I'm wondering if there isn't some related scheme to only have direct internet access through one machine running Linux and have superior security on it. Maybe it runs its own mail server that the clients use to get the mail.

It's probably not as difficult as it sounds. Maybe a site where the Linux SysOp Guru types hang out would have some ideas. Windows has traditionally used "undocumented" functions to give those who knew them the edge over those who didn't. Chances are hackers know the undocumented functions you aren't aware of.

The only sure-fire way of avoiding hacking is to disconnect from the network and keep your system physically secure.

Originally Posted by MilesAhead

I'm not a network expert. But this may be a better question for Networking and Sharing forum. In the old days it was common to take an older machine and put Linux on it to run it as a router. I'm wondering if there isn't some related scheme to only have direct internet access through one machine running Linux and have superior security on it. Maybe it runs its own mail server that the clients use to get the mail.

It's probably not as difficult as it sounds. Maybe a site where the Linux SysOp Guru types hang out would have some ideas. Windows has traditionally used "undocumented" functions to give those who knew them the edge over those who didn't. Chances are hackers know the undocumented functions you aren't aware of.

ActuaLLY, this is what most residential routers are now a days, my old wrt4gL, L stood for linux.

A maIL server is just that, it sends and recieves email using its own @ name.

However, for a hacker to hack through even just a properly setup router, i.e. no unnessesary open ports, is pretty difficult, can be done, but difgficult.

Its no easy thing to hack a computer straight up, even in the Def Com security comferences, its internet vulnerability that takes out systems in exploiting drive bys.

So securing your system is easy, not getting hit in a drive by is another.

The point is the Linux dudes are probably ahead of the curve since they have an open source system. There's no way Joe Sixpack customer can compete with the hackers on a closed system. They have info he never will.

Likewise the routers made from Linux servers are likely now replaced with something more sophisticated. What it may be I don't know. But it's likely someone in the Linux community does. It may have filters for all those little mail client exploitation hooks that run in Windows machines.

He won't know if he doesn't look. I wouldn't sit around waiting for Email from MS esp. when it's my email that's being hacked.

IMO more so than not hackers attack big buisnesses. Sure they spam your email, plant rogueware, send out viruses, etc. in hopes of getting a few bucks from the average Joe and they get lucky every now and then but I'm sure that any of them would say that the big bucks is going up against big businesses and the government. They spend hundreds of thousands to even millions developing, maintaining, and protecting their infrastructure. It's a bigger challenge (as well as a larger payout) going up against those that are paid to protect their employer rather than Joe. It's a much more complicated set up than most people realize or appreciate and internet facing systems of all kinds are very well protected against such attacks. As for personal computing most people don't have to worry as long as they practice safe browsing and have their computer well protected with antimalware. However there is still a constant threat and if you are really paranoid disconnect from the net.

Google contacted me and told me attempts to access my g-mail had been made from Israel and Ireland. I took up their option of the txt code and any attempt to access my g-mail from any computer but mine (even me) a code is sent to my phone that has to be entered before access is granted. Costs nothing and keeps my mind at ease.
I think people are right and after cleaning your system you should be alright.
It is easier to hack a website than a personal computer, and that's hard to do.

Originally Posted by townsbg

IMO more so than not hackers attack big buisnesses. Sure they spam your email, plant rogueware, send out viruses, etc. in hopes of getting a few bucks from the average Joe and they get lucky every now and then but I'm sure that any of them would say that the big bucks is going up against big businesses and the government. They spend hundreds of thousands to even millions developing, maintaining, and protecting their infrastructure. It's a bigger challenge (as well as a larger payout) going up against those that are paid to protect their employer rather than Joe. It's a much more complicated set up than most people realize or appreciate and internet facing systems of all kinds are very well protected against such attacks. As for personal computing most people don't have to worry as long as they practice safe browsing and have their computer well protected with antimalware. However there is still a constant threat and if you are really paranoid disconnect from the net.

I wouldn't go to that extreme. Sure anything connected is vulnerable. But we all want to be connected. That's why we are here. Many people use programs who don't know really how they work. Likewise there are likely some punks out there using scripts that attack email clients, that don't really understand the script. They must download 'em from somewhere. Just like an av can scan for known malware there may be security that scans for signatures of known hacker scripts or email header tricks(if there is such a thing.) All I'm saying is see what is out there. Many Windows utilities use Linux boot CDs. It's silly to have an "us vs them" mentality. It's all PC'in afaic.

There's plenty of knowledge out there. I see no reason to try to keep people on the pablum gravy train. (Likely because I an't gettin' a piece of the action. Money blurs all judgement.)