PC Security Gurus:
I have a DSL modem to the internet and an SMC DSL hub/router. It is doing NAT. I’ve been using Morpheus alot lately.
Do I need to install a firewall also, like ZoneAlarm? If so, will Morpheus still work?
If I disable file sharing in Morpheus does that help?
(Mods: I did a search on Morpheus, but came up empty. If this has been covered, sorry…)
Any machine connected to the net should have a firewall, especially one with a static IP connection connected to a major provider (because these factors facilitate port scanning). ZoneAlarm is pretty good for a single machine. Your router may also handle packet filtering, which would be good too. I’d do both, at least.
A firewall can be configured to permit whatever traffic you want. If you use ZoneAlarm, the first time you use Morpheus it will query you if you want to allow this traffic, and you can set it to always allow it. If you use a packet filter, you just need to know the ports and protocols involved with Morpheus and set the packet filter rules to allow those.
I’m not familiar with Morpheus, but disabling file sharing in any app is a good idea.
You might hit the Shields Up tool at this site:
http://grc.com/default.htm
This will scan your machine for open ports and protocols to see just how wide open you are.
It’s a good idea in general.
and yes, it’ll still work.
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Not unless morpheus has some sort of exploit regarding it’s file sharing.
(Mods: I did a search on Morpheus, but came up empty. If this has been covered, sorry…) **
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If you disable file sharing in Morpheus, you run the risk of people canceling your downloads when they see you aren’t sharing any files. (I know that would happen on Napster, not sure about Morpheus.)
As long as you have your sharing paths set up correctly (so you aren’t sharing your browser cache, cookie files, etc.), there’s no risk in sharing files. Especially since you’re using NAT… your computer doesn’t have its own routable address, so the only traffic you’ll get is what the router lets through.