Where to check your computer's security ...

[Mara]

Apparently there is a safe site where one can go and they check the security of one's computer?

 

Found a couple sites while browsing the internet - but with all the hidden dangers lurking out there, wonder if someone would please be kind enough to provide the link to a safe scan site.

 

Thanks so much.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

What security measures do you have in place Mara?

[Goku]

Wolfey, I think Mara is referring to the Secunia online scan. Is this what you are looking for, Mara?

 

-- Goku

[Mara]

First, I have Avast, Sygate Firewall, WinPatrol, Malwarebytes, and ThreatFire ... plus my computer is set to auto download all Microsoft Windows updates for my XP (and when I go to MS update site, it shows 'auto', as well).

 

And I'd only hoped to find a site that would run a scan and let me know if I was 'running invisible' on the internet.

 

So while the link isn't quite the same thing as above, I ran the free scan and wow!

 

Results:

 

1. Your system does not have all security related patches from Microsoft installed

 

KB955069

KB954430

KB954459

KB957097

 

2.

http://secunia.com/gfx/32/Flash.gif

This installation of Adobe Flash Player 9.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

 

3.

http://secunia.com/gfx/32/Flash.gif

This installation of Macromedia Flash Player 7.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

 

4.

http://secunia.com/gfx/32/Java.gif

This installation of Sun Java JRE 1.5.x / 5.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

 

5.

http://secunia.com/gfx/32/Java.gif

This installation of Sun Java JRE 1.6.x / 6.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

 

And best of all, along with scan results, links to the appropriate necessary downloads are provided - yup, wow!

 

Not too sure how I managed to get two versions of both Flash and Sun Java (unless I made that pesky assumption that a newer version overwrites an older one) ... and completely stumped how I don't have the latest updates from Windows.

 

Thanks ever so much for the kindness and help once again - how lovely you all are!

 

Kindest thoughts,

Mara

[RandyL]

Hi mara;

Adobe Flash Player and Macromedia Shockwave Flash Player are two different things.

 

You can use add/remove programs to get rid of any older versions of Java.

 

Those might be this months updates that were just released yesterday.

 

And lastly it seems you want to test your firewall. I wouldn't worry about that mara Sygate works fine.

[Tootech]

Mara,

 

Is it 'Shields Up' you are referring to? - a way to check your firewall and ports security

 

Link here

 

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

[Dalo Harkin]

If I am not mistaken SYGATES own aadvanced settings check the firewall for strength - It always made me laugh as SYGATE are owned by NORTON and we know how bad that is :eek:

Mara - can I ask why you are using SYGATE as it's more common for server applications?

[Mara]

Yes, that's the site - yipee! 'Shield's Up' is the one I was hoping to find and shall bookmark it instantly! Thank you, thank you!

 

I use Sygate simply because it's working great for me - and it's free :). I had tried the purchase types such as Nortons and McAfie (spelling?) and egad, both were huge in size. So I switched to Zone Alarm (freebie version) and really liked it until a few months ago when things went poof with it's newest update.

 

Have the flock of 'security' programs I mentioned earlier but to be honest, the one I count on most is 'Site Hound'. Perhaps because it's 'right in one's face' the moment I try to connect to a site that looks innocent but has nasties lurking - their warning is literally impossible to miss (a vital thing especially since I'm not alone in using this computer - gentle smile).

[Mara]

How reassuring it is to run the scans at 'Shield's Up' and get the below results!

 

(All the programs I use are free and either recommended here or through trusted friends - and best of all for me, they are so easy to understand and use).

 

Results from Shield's Up:

 

 

 

Your Internet port 139 does not appear to exist!

One or more ports on this system are operating in FULL STEALTH MODE!

 

 

Unable to connect with NetBIOS to your computer.

All attempts to get any information from your computer have FAILED. (This is very uncommon for a Windows networking-based PC.)

 

 

 

Common Ports and All Service Ports:

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.

 

 

Messenger Spam:

None came through

[shrimply]

I like that site,lol.

 

this is what I got

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm67/D_Hunter315/computersecurity.jpg

[Mara]

Great results, shrimply ... did you try the Secunia online scan as well?

 

 

These two sites are terrific - both Secunia online scan and Shield's Up! Wonder if it's possible to have both these as 'stickies' - perhaps under a special section created for things all computer owners need to know in order to survive our computers. :)

[Goku]

Very worthwhile suggestions Mara. We will surely try to incorporate them into our standard Malware Removal procedure.

 

And the site is very good indeed. I came back with all results informing me that the computer was non-existent on the internet. What a relief! I always thought that you needed an arsenal of security programs to secure yourself but I am clearly wrong. Here are the results, if anyone is interested.

 

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn44/JustMeYaar/SecurityReports.jpg

 

I will definitely spread its word as far and wide as I can.

 

-- Goku

Edited November 14, 2008 by Goku