Re: Newspaper Article about Cable Modem security

["REID FOX" <reidfox () direct ca>]

I would think that anyone connected to a public network would have some
thoughts about security. If not they will find out very quickly. its the
same old adage "we never used to lock the doors" .
I think there are also some advantages to a cable network "speed for one"
also having a regular IP Im sure has its positive merits.
I know I would gladly give up my 28.8 dial up and take my chances with
cable. Remember if you log a hackers IP and they are on cable there is no
question about who had that IP at the time.
So I think these cable lans will bring on a new wave of firewalls and
security software for the home and small business users.
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Kelly <michaelkelley () home com>
To: Eric Toll <etoll () syracusesupply com>
Cc: firewall-wizards () nfr net <firewall-wizards () nfr net>;
Neil.Ratzlaff () ucop edu <Neil.Ratzlaff () ucop edu>
Date: Friday, October 29, 1999 9:39 PM
Subject: Re: Newspaper Article about Cable Modem security


> Eric Toll wrote:
> > The sad part is that even if they have file and print sharing turned
> off, you can still be hacked and or hijacked, cable modem networks are >not
distributed star, but more like a bus network  ( think of it like a >river )
and anyone can get a sniffer and "drink" packets and look for >"password" or
capture 40bit encryped https sessions, save them and >crack them later to
reveal credit card numbers etc.
> I agree with you about this. The problem I had with the article was the
> way it was presented. "Underlying Computer Code" and all that. The
> amount of information presented to advise people on how to secure thier
> computers was almost non-existent.
>
> > Do you guys think we have kiddie scripters reading this stuff?  I'd hate
to think so.
> I'd bet on it. But on the other hand, if they are just script kiddies,
> they haven't got a clue as to what anyone is talking about.