How to test your computer security

Security concerns, including viruses, denial of service attacks, and spyware/malware, have made firewalls (both software and hardware) a critical part of having an internet connection today. Without testing it, how do you know that your firewall is doing its job? We will look at how to test your firewall.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet connection

1. If you have a firewall, hardware, software, or both, make sure that it is enabled.
2. Find a computer security test site. I use ShieldsUP! from grc.com and the QuickTest from PCFlank.com. Run the test and review the results.
3. The first results to review are the ports shielding or stealthing. This tests to see if the ports (different doors) to your computer's address are visible from the internet. Having them hidden, prevents your computer from being "found" by a computer or person that wants to take control of it.
   If there are ports that are not hidden, but should be according to the test tool, then refer to the documentation for your hardware firewall (usually part of a router) or software firewall. Look for the section on port rules.
   Add rules to hide the ports that should be, but aren't.
4. Test your new rules with the security test tool to make sure that the rules worked correctly and hid the ports. Also test to make sure that your internet connection still works correctly.
5. Another test run by these tools is to attempt to get information about your browser (e.g.- Internet Explorer or FireFox). If the test results show that you have a problem, refer to the documentation for your software firewall. Look for information on privacy.
   Add or modify the rules to hide your browser information.
6. Again, retest with your new rules in place to ensure that they are working correctly and hiding your browser information. Also, make sure that you can still browse correctly.
7. Feel just a little bit safer when browsing the internet.

Tips & Warnings

• Save firewall settings before making changes, just in case you really mess up the changes.
• Only add and test one rule at a time. It will make fixing problems easier.
• If you are struggling with a rule, use a search engine to look for help.
• Keep your software up to date. Many companies are releases important security fixes to their software.
• Always test firewall changes thoroughly before you are done.
• Internet security is extremely important. You should have a hardware firewall built into your router, a software firewall running on your computer, and anti-virus/anti-malware running at all times.