Simple file sharing

[mark]

Hi everyone,

I recently realized that Simple File Sharing is, by
default, enabled when XP PRO is installed. I'm not on a
network and actually only connect via dialup from home on
a single PC.

How secure does this keep me from hackers and the like?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Mark.

 

[Guest]

Actually, being an IT Professional, I never use Simple Shares and discourage them on Networks, but since you aren't on one, it is fine. What you should do, however, is disable Remote Registry (control panel->admin tools->services), SSDP Discovery Service (same place), and UPnP Host (same place). In addition, you should disable the registry key "Enable DCOM" since you aren't on a network...but please don't open regedit unless you back it up and know what you are doing. Simple Shares just gives everyone read access, regardless of local privilages, over shares via the wire. If you don't use Simple Shares you use permissions via acl's.

 

[Mark]

Thanks Dan. Actually I had no idea about those
configurations you suggested. Thanks a lot.

What I'm wondering also however is if I may already have
had files read or copied just over the internet from
hackers, etc. I'm a little ignorant as to how easy/hard
this is and have recently been trying to buffer up my
security, but am wondering if some things might have
already been compromised.

If i have that Simple File Sharing enabled, would it have
been a bit of an invitation for people to try to get into
my system? I'm probably being a little paranoid but I'm
just wondering anyway.

Thanks again for your help.

Mark.