Securing a dial-up connection

lub0 · 08-31-2003, 07:47 PM

Hi people......

First ever post, please bear with me (newbieness & all)
I have recently moved from a cable modem connection to a dial up internet connection (grudged). I had a simple firewall script (form a web site) which served my needs (i think). Anyway I now want to get a little more hands on, does anyone know of good web sites regarding dial up security.

Much Appreciated..

lub0

ps .. I use kppp ( is that reliable and secure ???)

tarballedtux · 08-31-2003, 09:42 PM

dialup is generally not very securable. The best you can hope for is that your ISP uses CHAP to at least encrypt your login password. On a better not your data is also not easily sniffed. With cable and DSL there usually some data that can get sniffed fairly easily. Since this a PPP or point-to-point connection, there is only you and your ISP that can see your connection data. Unless of course someone installs a data phone tap outside your house.....

--tarballedtux

lub0 · 09-01-2003, 08:26 PM

thanks "tarballedtux"

your reply strikes fear into me as i think i am using something else other than CHAP. Although i dont know for sure. But will look into it...

Thanks again

lub0

unSpawn · 09-03-2003, 03:52 AM

your reply strikes fear into me as i think i am using something else other than CHAP.

Like TBT said, the connection runs from your modem tru any wiring in the house, over your Telco's phone network to your ISP's modembanks. So let's put this somewhat in perspective and say chances your box getting cracked because you run unprotected and vulnerable services is infinitesmally higher compared to your dialup pass getting sniffed and used or find data injected.

If you're worrying about your Telco or ISP placing taps, then I recommend wearing a tin foil hat :-]

lub0 · 09-03-2003, 06:16 AM

Thanks.....

At the moment i am running RH8, are there any glaring vunerabilities on this ???.
I have tried to run the auto update (thingiemabob), though i understand RH have recently changed the way they work things

, I have tried downloading the rpm which claims to fix this prob....., but to no avail

. Could anyone enlighten me on this.

All help from you guys is well appreciated

lub0

The Scottish Linux addict...

camelrider · 09-03-2003, 02:08 PM

Whenever you are connected to the internet you are vulnerable whether you are on dial-up, ADSL, Cable, T1 or whatever!

Adapt your firewall script to use ppp0 as your connection and keep your firewall in place until you've found what you want to know to roll your own.

lub0 · 09-03-2003, 05:59 PM

thanks man................

lub0