Newbie question: Exposure on logon?

[Jay M Apple]

(Running Win2KPro SP4 and latest updates.)

QUESTION: Between the time a user logs on and the moment all drivers and
applications in Startup load up, including a firewall and antivirus apps
(Norton), are ports open to internet [is PC exposed to outsiders] ?

BACKGROUND: Used to keep cable modem offline until desktop ready. Now have
home network with wireless router for use by a laptop.

ASSUMPTIONS:
1. Laptop is in use, router is routing and cable modem is on-line to let
laptop access internet.
2. THEN desktop is turned on (which includes "Preparing network
connections") before any user logs on.
3. THEN a user logs on.

Thanks for your help.

Jay

 

[Steven Umbach]

It is possible that ports are exposed to the network for a very short period of
time before your software firewall loads but not to the internet since you are
using an internet router that is protecting your network. --- Steve

 

[Jay M Apple]

Thanks for the peace of mind. It does depend on my having set up router
security correctly, but that is another matter.

Jay

 

[Guest]

.... and I would add that the risk is relatively small. I am not aware of any
proven cases of a computer being compromised during that window. Computer
security is all about evaluating risk level when deciding whether it is worth
your time and money to implement a certain countermeasure.

-------------------------
Microsoft Security FAQ:
http://www.securityadmin.info

It is possible that ports are exposed to the network for a very short period of
time before your software firewall loads but not to the internet since you are
using an internet router that is protecting your network. --- Steve

(Running Win2KPro SP4 and latest updates.)

QUESTION: Between the time a user logs on and the moment all drivers and
applications in Startup load up, including a firewall and antivirus apps
(Norton), are ports open to internet [is PC exposed to outsiders] ?

BACKGROUND: Used to keep cable modem offline until desktop ready. Now have
home network with wireless router for use by a laptop.

ASSUMPTIONS:
1. Laptop is in use, router is routing and cable modem is on-line to let
laptop access internet.
2. THEN desktop is turned on (which includes "Preparing network
connections") before any user logs on.
3. THEN a user logs on.

Thanks for your help.

Jay