File and Print Sharing

By default, some operating systems allow you to share print and file resources with other people on a local area network. While this ability is a great addition to operating a computer in a controlled environment, it becomes a serious security concern when operating over a public network such as the Internet. Unless absolutely necessary, we recommend that users turn off file and printer sharing.

If you must have file and printer sharing open to provide access to some of your resources, make sure that they are protected by a valid and difficult to guess password.

Web Server Use

Some internet software products, like Microsoft Front Page, offer you the option of setting up a Web server on your computer. If you make use of the Web server functionality, your computer will look and act like a Web server to all other computers on the Internet.

If your computer is recognized as a Web server, it is possible for someone to break into it. If you would like to limit this possiblity, you may not want to take advantage of the Web server functionality.

How to limit the security risk

You should turn your computer or your ADSL modem off when you are not using them. This will limit possible breaches of security as no one can break into your computer when it is turned off or when your ADSL modem is turned off.

For users of Microsoft's Windows 95 Operating System, consult Microsoft's Web site for more information. This site provides information about a cable connection, not an ADSL connection, but many of the issues are the same. Similar information should be available from vendors of other operating systems. Consult your vendor for further information.