RE: How to stop Admins from sniffing ?

["Beauford, Jason" <jbeauford () EightInOnePet com>]

swap_tek () yahoo co uk wrote:
> Hey List
>
>
> I work in a small organisation and the system and network
> administrators here are constantly monitoring all data in the
> network. I have seen them running Etherreal on their systems and from
> their talks i am sure that they know who is doing what. I m using
> windows XP and i have a personal firewall installed which pop's up
> every few minutes saying that there is a port scan attack going on.
> And when i looked up that IP address it belongs to tbe system being
> used by the administrator. I have tried talking to my bosses about
> this but not happened ( maybe the admins convinced them that they are
> not doing anything like that or its happening by bosses permisson). 
> i know since they are in same network as me its easy for them to
> sniff all traffic and everything.           
>
>
> What i want to know from you ppl is that is there is anyway way to
> stop this ? is it possible for me to encrypt all traffic going out
> from my system ?  
>
> I have never used a Anti-Sniffer but can they help ? any way out ?
>
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> Jeff

Hey Jeff.

Firstly, I want to say that you are going about this the wrong way.
Your Network Admins are not out to sniff your traffic only, or are
targeting you for any particular reason (that is unless you are doing
something "wrong" which has raised a red flag).  They are most likely
simply trying to protect and secure their network.  The fact that you
have chosen to install a personal firewall only makes things more
difficult for them and actually tells a lot about the nature of the
existing security.  My recommendation is to uninstall that personal
firewall, run up to your Network Admin and let them know that you have
Administrator privileges on the machine so that he can revoke them
immediately, thereby protecting both your operating system and his
network from malicious software (virus, worm, trojan etc...) that may
require admin privs to install and propagate.  Better yet, ask for a job
in IT if you're that interested.  It's this kind of inquisitiveness and
motivation that can propel you into a successful career in IT.

By looking to encrypt your traffic/files etc.., and looking for ways to
block packet sniffing, one can infer that you are doing something you
shouldn't be.  This could be putting your network at risk and you may be
in violation of your Company's "Appropriate Usage" policy, if they have
one.  I'd be careful about foiling your Network Admin(s).  It is their
job to ensure the integrity, security and availability of that network
and your hindrance may get you into some hot water when you are
discovered.

I'm quite sure this is not the answer you were looking for, but as a
Systems Admin, I know how these things can work out.


Kind Regards,


JMB.

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