Office Network and Security

[cbcb52]

I have a small office Network ( 3 computers )
Mine is the server and file server running windows XP Pro
The other 2 computers are running windows 98

The IP 's are 192.168.123.1 on my computer ( .2 for computer number
two and .3 for computer number three ) , with the default subnet mask.
( using TCP/IP Protocol )

All the files in all computers are shared ( including the drive's
root )

The only way to access the internet is from my computer using
a Dial Up connection .( using a firewall ) . The other computers
cannot use my dial up connection.
The modem is NOT configured for file and printer sharing.

Now what I'd like to know , is how safe my Network is ( not my
computer ) . Can the other machines be broadcasting their IP's
and thus be seen from the Internet ??
Is there any additional step concerning security to my Network
that could be improved ?

 

[Gary Davis]

Looks to me like when you connect to the internet using your computer you
are open to attack on your computer.
The other computers would be safe but you would be sharing your files with
the internet.

 

[cbcb52]

Thanks Gary
As I said , the modem is not configured for file and printer sharing.
The network connections are , but not the modem .
Even in this situation , I still am sharing my files with
the Internet ??

 

[GSV Three Minds in a Can]

Looks to me like when you connect to the internet using your computer you
are open to attack on your computer.
The other computers would be safe but you would be sharing your files with
the internet.

Only if MS client for networks, and File/printer sharing protocols are
bound to the dial-up connection .. and even then, the firewall ought to
stop them actually getting through (if it's set up right). Select the
dialup connection in control panel, right-click, properties, select the
'networking' tab, and make sure only TCP/IP is ticked on the WWW/Dialup
connection.

Easiest way to tell is to go to one of the online testing sites,
which'll tell you what they can see when you're online. Symantec has
one, or you can google for 'ShieldsUp', which is another one.