*How to Test and Improve the Security of Your Computer Network*
*Publication Date:* March 2004
*Volume:* 39-7
*Author:* Richard Schenkar
*Categories:* Practical resources, Computers, Internet, Resources, Security
As the daily continuing assaults on your computer network mount, there
is some good news. There is a source where you can get a number of
programs for free that will help you maintain your system and its
security. Even better, you do not have to be a computer expert to get
the benefits the programs offer.

There is always a challenge when one discusses computer programs that
touch on security. Like any other tool, the outcome of the use of
computer security tools depends on the ethics and morals of the persons
who use them. The tools computer forensics experts use in the recovery
of data from hard disks are the same tools that may be used to encrypt
or destroy data. (That is why forensics experts use mirror images or
backup copies of data collections at issue.)

The good news is that your search for competent (and free) security
tools that are easy and safe to use may include the Gibson Research
Corporation'sweb site at http://www.grc.com. When you click on Free
Stuff hypertext link, you have access to download or use the following
helpful tools:

*LeakTest* is an automatic firewall-leak tester that will hack into your
system in less than a minute and will deliver a detailed report on how
it was able to get in. The report will give you a list of
vulnerabilities that you might consider working to change. Remember, the
hack is not done by a human, but by a computer. It can be a humbling
(and a learning) experience.

*Shoot the Messenger* is a special type of pop-up stopper for Microsoft
Windows NT, 2000, and XP. These operating systems have a hidden server,
called Windows Messenger, that most people do not know about, and
therefore, never turn off. When Windows Messenger is on, you can receive
unsolicited advertising and other material. The program stops this
frustration.

*DCOMbobulator* is a program for Microsoft Windows 98 and later
operating systems that disables the Distributed Component Object Model
(DCOM). DCOM is not used often, but its presence creates system
vulnerabilities. The DCOMbobulator checks on how effective the security
patches are and increases the security level of your system by disabling
DCOM.

*UnPlug n Pray* is a program that takes care of a vulnerability in the
Universal Plug and Play feature in Microsoft Windows XP and ME that
allows hackers to take over your system. It allows you to turn Plug and
Play on or off at will.

*XPdite* is a small solution to a problem Microsoft solved for Windows
XP with a 50 to 140 megabyte service pack (Service Pack 1). The problem
was that, without the service pack or XPdite, a hacker can delete any
file in any directory on your computer at will.

*ID Serve* tells you what kind of server web sites are using so that you
can evaluate which ones are secure and which are not. That way, you know
whether you should share your confidential information on that site or not.

*SocketLock* allows you to close openings that Microsoft XP leaves open.
These open sockets, when not used for other applications like printing
or online communications, are vulnerabilities that hackers use to take
control of your system.