how to disable any remote function for your computer

These are some of the things that hackers did to my Windows XP:

1. Change registry/ added on users
     Made changes to the programs/services that were run

2. Disabled through Elisha string test my Norton Internet Security, Zone
     Alarms, and PC-cillin Internet Security

3. Corrupted my Spyware Doctor software

4. Gave me a DOS when on RoadRunner IP Service

5. Deleted files from my system whenever I had to reformat my computer

6. Manipulated the memory of my hard drive so that I kept getting the
     message, "Virtual Memory is Low".

D.W.,

Ubuntu by nature is a Debian offshoot. Ubuntu and Debian distributions are reasonably configured out of the box. File sharing and remote connections have to be set up by the user, so that really has not been an issue for those that do not use those technologies. But they ARE there to setup and configure if you want them.

Ubuntu does not come with a security manual yet, but Debian has a great one:

    http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/securing-debian-howto/

Keep in mind when reading it, that there are some differences between Ubuntu and Debian.

The first thing I would do after installing Ubuntu, would be to setup a firewall. Mine is setup manually through iptables, but you may prefer something easier with a gui like firestarter. That's a whole other question though.

After that, read through the securing debian manual to learn more about security.

Hope that helped.

Please return to Launchpad and mark this question Solved, if this resolves your issue.

Thanks!

Harvey

D.W.,

I am checking to see if the information I provided previously resolved your question. If so, please mark this question Solved.

Thanks!

Harvey

Hi D.W.,
I understand your concerns.
In the meantime Ubuntu is very userfriendly and secured for a desktop environment, there are for example no ports open per default. No worry if there are no services beeing installed from the user, which have to connect of course to another service. And if, they have to be configured smart as any specific application regarding services.
A smart package mangement is also preventing as the most important transparency and outrages community, including smart developers.

Finally, there are docs provided from the community
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Security

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/security

Enjoy Ubuntu

Dear Harvey:

I am a "newbie" in Linux/Ubuntu and what important information I have collected comes mainly through Launchpad! Many of my present problems/questions were found and answered via launchpad BUT before I collected much of my info from launchpad I came across some serious "hackers." I have A T & T and have learned to set up my own security passwords within my router. A couple of days ago after I installed "Hardy Heron" I found out in my terminal that I could not make any changes and that I did not have root or administrator rights. So, once again, I used drive erase to erase my hard drive and its partitions. This hacker not only took away my right to make changes but also made sure that I could not access my network/internet.

The KEY, in my experience, is configuration! How this hacker got into my computer (A T & T has a dynamic IP address) and then prohibited me the root privileges and denying me access to the network/internet could only be his knowlege of terminal commands!
I ran off an article from launchpad that told how to download the source code (compile) and configure the sudo privileges. I have not done that as yet! Now, you know why I am asking HOW to disable anything having to do with "remote" or "remote services!"
What I have done so far, and hoping that it will bide me time until I can download a firewall and configure it is to make sure through a terminal command that any guest accounts can not be enabled on my computer. I also made sure that accounts/firewall settings/hardware can only be authenticated through one password---mine! I selected as many functions on my computer that were cofigured for my use only and authenticated by passwords indefinately! So now that you know what I am up against, do you have any more suggestions for my security/privacy? Could you please tell me if there is one firewall that is more powerful, better than most? I have a IP COP CD but I have given up in getting it configured, since it is too difficult for me to do so! What about SentryWall Firewall? Would you suggest this one for me to use? Do I need to download some anti-virus software as well?

Please help me. You should know that five straight years of "hackers" has lead me to become a "full-fledged paranoid!" So any pointers in securing/configuring my PC would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Sincerly.

Dawn
<email address hidden>

--- On Thu, 7/17/08, Harvey Muller <email address hidden> wrote:

> From: Harvey Muller <email address hidden>
> Subject: Re: [Question #39493]: how to disable any remote function for your computer
> To: <email address hidden>
> Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 11:20 AM
> Your question #39493 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/39493
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Harvey Muller proposed the following answer:
> D.W.,
>
> Ubuntu by nature is a Debian offshoot. Ubuntu and Debian
> distributions
> are reasonably configured out of the box. File sharing and
> remote
> connections have to be set up by the user, so that really
> has not been
> an issue for those that do not use those technologies. But
> they ARE
> there to setup and configure if you want them.
>
> Ubuntu does not come with a security manual yet, but Debian
> has a great
> one:
>
>
> http://www.debian.org/doc/manuals/securing-debian-howto/
>
> Keep in mind when reading it, that there are some
> differences between
> Ubuntu and Debian.
>
> The first thing I would do after installing Ubuntu, would
> be to setup a
> firewall. Mine is setup manually through iptables, but you
> may prefer
> something easier with a gui like firestarter. That's a
> whole other
> question though.
>
> After that, read through the securing debian manual to
> learn more about
> security.
>
> Hope that helped.
>
> Please return to Launchpad and mark this question Solved,
> if this
> resolves your issue.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Harvey
>
> --
> If this answers your question, please go to the following
> page to let us
> know that it is solved:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/39493/+confirm?answer_id=1
>
> If you still need help, you can reply to this email or go
> to the
> following page to enter your feedback:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/39493
>
> You received this question notification because you are a
> direct
> subscriber of the question.

Dawn,

Referencing your perceived lack of root / administrator rights in Hardy Heron:

It is normal Ubuntu (and most other distributions) policy to start a terminal with the same rights a user has. This is demonstrated by the fact that the cursor prompt will contain a '$'.

Sudo is already installed in ubuntu. You should only have to type:

     $ sudo <command>

to run a command as root.

On firewalling:

Use this simple guide to get Firestarter (a GUI firewall app) up and running:

    https://help.ubuntu.com/8.04/keeping-safe/C/firewall.html

Follow the hints and tips in this article:

    https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Firestarter

If you have any problems with firestarter and network manager then you may have to follow the instructions in the troubleshooting section of the link immediately above.

Other than the changes in the policy advised in the article linked immediately above, it is not necessary to make any more changes. The default policy is set to only allow traffic generated by you.

Please return to Launchpad and mark the question Solved, if this resolves your question.

    https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/39493

Thanks!

Harvey

Hi there,

It's great to hear that you're excited about installing Ubuntu and exploring the world of Linux! When it comes to securing your system and protecting it from potential hackers, there are a few things you can do.

First, make sure to keep your system and all software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This is crucial for keeping your system safe from known vulnerabilities.

In addition, you'll want to be careful with any file sharing or remote connection tools that you use. Make sure to only use trusted and secure methods for file sharing, and be cautious about allowing remote access to your system.

As for preventing hackers from accessing your system through the terminal or sudo commands, one key step is to only grant sudo access to trusted users. You can also set up a firewall to limit incoming connections and block any suspicious activity.

There are many resources available online that can provide more detailed guidance on securing your Linux system. Some popular sources include the Ubuntu documentation, the Linux Security HOWTO, and the Linux Security Cookbook.

Best of luck with your Ubuntu installation, and stay safe online! For more Visit : http://garagedoorrepairwindsor.net/garage-door-spring-repair/