Online Safety

• Virus scanning of all incoming and outgoing emails 
• IP masking to prevent hackers from getting to your IP address
• Weekly port scanning for Trojans, back door or remote control software
• Abusive port blocking
• SPAM Filtering

We recommend the following for your protection:

1. Antivirus software. 
   • We strongly recommend installing Antivirus software on your computer. 
   • If you already have an antivirus software, update and subscribe to get the latest definitions and data. 
   • We do check emails for viruses, but not all viruses spread through emails.
2. A router or firewall. 
   • If your computer has critical data on it that you don't wish others to view, you may wish to provide additional protection for  those machines. 
   • WADSNET blocks several of the commonly abused "ports" but customers should evaluate the level of security they need for themselves.
   • A hardware firewall or router plugs into your network, and prevents access to machines, except on recognized ports
   • A software firewall performs the same filtering functions but runs on your computer when it is running. 
3. Turn of Windows file and print sharing
   • If you have 1 PC only, turn off Windows file and print sharing. Click here on how to disable sharing.
   • If you have more than 1 PC, install a router if you want sharing
4. Turn of Windows XP messenger services
   • Click here on how to turn off Windows XP messenger 
5. Disable Windows XP's Universal Plug N Play.  For instructions, click here 
6. Update your operating systems and software regularly
   • If you're using Windows open your web browser to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com weekly to get the latest patches and security fix to Windows.
7. DO NOT install Internet applications without reading or researching about it.
8. DO NOT install peer-to-peer or sharing applications and share your files with others
9. Other recommendations, click here

Notes:

How do to disable File & Print Sharing

For Windows 95/98/ME: From the Start menu, open your Control Panel and select Network. Click on the button that says "File & Print Sharing" and make sure both boxes are unchecked.  If you have NETBIOS or NETBEUI, remove them.  Close the windows, and follow the instructions to restart.  

For Windows 2000: Right-clicking on My Network Places and selecting Properties. Then right-click on the appropriate Local Area Connection icon, and select Properties. Next, click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Properties. Now click Advanced, and select the WINS tab. There you can enable or disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Click on "File and Printer Sharing for ..." (if you have it) and click Uninstall.  Find and uninstall all NETBIOS or NETBEUI. Click OK to save.

For Windows XP: From the Start menu, open your Control Panel, select Network and Internet Connections, select your Local Area Connection, right click on it and click on Properties. Click on "File and Printer Sharing for ..." (if you have it) and click Uninstall.  Find and uninstall all NETBIOS or NETBEUI.  Double click on Internet Protocol, click on Advanced, click on the WINS tab, choose "Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP", click OK and then OK again. Click OK save your changes and follow the instructions to restart.  

How do to turn off Windows XP messenger service
From the Start menu, highlight My Computer, right click on it and select Manage. Click the "+" sign in front of Services and Applications and double click on Services. In the right window, find "Messenger" and double click on it.  Click on the STOP button, change the Startup type to Manual and click on the OK button. Close the Computer Management window.