Is it secure? WinXP 2-PC network via crossover cable, dial-up Internet firewalled, no ISC

  • Thread starter Thread starter Lilla
  • Start date Start date
L

Lilla

WinXP 2-PC network via crossover cable, dial-up Internet firewalled, no ISC

My network is working great, the two computers see each other and can share
files and printers. In Network Places, I click on View Workgroup and it
shows both computers. I click on the computer name and it shows the shared
files.

I followed a couple of online guides, but they were written for broadband
and I am on dialup, so I had to make adjustments. The network is working
well, but I am not sure if my shared files are secure. I am hoping people
here can answer two questions for me.

Question 1. Do my settings (see below) protect my shared files from being
seen/accessed by those on the internet?

Question 2. Is there a security test site that will tell me if my shared
files are visible to the internet?

Thank you for your help,
Lilla

P.S. This is the simpliest of home systems. No proxy software, no NAT, no
hubs/switches/routers/gateways, or other stuff that I don't even know what
is.

================================================================

PC-1: WinXP SP1 Home
PC-2: same

PC-1: Dialup ISP using internal modem; ICF* disabled; ICS disabled
PC-2: Dialup ISP using internal modem; ICF* enabled; ICS disabled
* PC-1 uses Kerio 2.1.5 Personal Firewall; PC-2 uses WinXP ICF

PC-1: LAN via crossover cable from NIC to other PC; ICF disabled
PC-2: same

PC-1: Workgroup is MSHOME; Computer Name is PC-1
PC-2: Workgroup is MSHOME; Computer Name is PC-2

================================================================

Dial-up settings. same on both machines, include:
Networking tab
Type of dialup server I am calling: PPP
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
x QoS Packet Scheduler
_ File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
_ Client for Microsoft Networks
Advanced TCP/IP Settings:
o WINS. Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

LAN settings. same on both machines, include:
Networking tab
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
_ QoS Packet Scheduler
x File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
x Client for Microsoft Networks
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Configuration:
o Obtain an IP Address automatically
o Obtain DNS Server address automatically
Advanced TCP/IP Settings:
o IP Addresses: DHCP Enabled
o WINS. Use NetBIOS setting from the DHCP server

Network Connections | Advanced tab | Advanced Settings |
Adapters and Bindings
MSHOME Workgroup
x File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
x Client for Microsoft Networks
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Observation: If I try to unbind any of the TCP/IP settings above then the
two computers no longer see each other.
This is true even when the Firewalls are both disabled.
 
"Lilla" said:
WinXP 2-PC network via crossover cable, dial-up Internet firewalled, no ISC

My network is working great, the two computers see each other and can share
files and printers. In Network Places, I click on View Workgroup and it
shows both computers. I click on the computer name and it shows the shared
files.

I followed a couple of online guides, but they were written for broadband
and I am on dialup, so I had to make adjustments. The network is working
well, but I am not sure if my shared files are secure. I am hoping people
here can answer two questions for me.

Question 1. Do my settings (see below) protect my shared files from being
seen/accessed by those on the internet?

Question 2. Is there a security test site that will tell me if my shared
files are visible to the internet?

Thank you for your help,
Lilla

P.S. This is the simpliest of home systems. No proxy software, no NAT, no
hubs/switches/routers/gateways, or other stuff that I don't even know what
is.

================================================================

PC-1: WinXP SP1 Home
PC-2: same

PC-1: Dialup ISP using internal modem; ICF* disabled; ICS disabled
PC-2: Dialup ISP using internal modem; ICF* enabled; ICS disabled
* PC-1 uses Kerio 2.1.5 Personal Firewall; PC-2 uses WinXP ICF

PC-1: LAN via crossover cable from NIC to other PC; ICF disabled
PC-2: same

PC-1: Workgroup is MSHOME; Computer Name is PC-1
PC-2: Workgroup is MSHOME; Computer Name is PC-2

================================================================

Dial-up settings. same on both machines, include:
Networking tab
Type of dialup server I am calling: PPP
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
x QoS Packet Scheduler
_ File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
_ Client for Microsoft Networks
Advanced TCP/IP Settings:
o WINS. Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

LAN settings. same on both machines, include:
Networking tab
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
_ QoS Packet Scheduler
x File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
x Client for Microsoft Networks
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Configuration:
o Obtain an IP Address automatically
o Obtain DNS Server address automatically
Advanced TCP/IP Settings:
o IP Addresses: DHCP Enabled
o WINS. Use NetBIOS setting from the DHCP server

Network Connections | Advanced tab | Advanced Settings |
Adapters and Bindings
MSHOME Workgroup
x File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
x Client for Microsoft Networks
x Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Observation: If I try to unbind any of the TCP/IP settings above then the
two computers no longer see each other.
This is true even when the Firewalls are both disabled.
Click to expand...

I think that you've done a very good job of securing (and describing)
your computers and network, Lilla.

Here are some security test sites. I expect them to show that
everything is fine:

http://scan.sygatetech.com
http://www.dslreports.com/scan
https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
Steve, thanks for the feedback (and the compliment).
I'm relieved to know that my settings look right.
I'm off to run the tests you directed me to.
I'll post back to let the group know the outcome.

Lilla
 
Ok, I ran each of the tests offered on all three sites, and the system got
the most secure ratings on each test. Can't get better than that.

Specific information on this configuration can be hard to find, so perhaps
my notes will help someone else.

Lilla
 
Back
Top