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General discussion

how to secure a broadband connection through a router modem?

Jan 29, 2008 6:50PM PST

Hi everybody

I am using a router ADSL modem to access the internet, it is a wired connection, & I have 3 computer connected to the internet through this modem router "SMC 7204BRA" my subscription allow me to use 12 Giga per month. Recently, I found that the allowed 12 Giga is being usd so fast in less than 13 days, eventhough I am not downloading anything, except opening webistes & checking my email. This problem happened for the last 2 months. There should be something wrong, & I am suspecting somebody, somehow is using my connection by hacking into my connection??, though as I mentioned it is not a wirelss connection, but it is a wired one.
I have no idea if this is even possibl, & if so I need your kind help & suggestion to secure my connection & to find a solution for this problem.

I highly apprecite your kind help & advice.

Best

Discussion is locked

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1. Disable WIFI
Jan 29, 2008 9:49PM PST

You don't use it.

2. Install Zone Alarm and when you are done with the internet, click it's INTERNET LOCK feature.

This way only you can use it.

Bob

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it is not wifi connection, it is a wired one.
Jan 29, 2008 10:28PM PST

Thanks Bob for your reply
Actually we are three people using the connection, we are sure we are not downloading or using the net to a degree that we use the whole 12 Giga in almost 10 days time.
Our connection is through the Modem Router (wired connection), so I did not got your first point of not using it

I have Zonealarm in my computer, & I can ask the others to install it too,but I am afraid that during our connection somebody is hacking and leeching on our connection.

Is there another way to prevent this, so that during our surfing no body can leech on our connection?

Your help is highly appreciated

Best

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Which is why...
Jan 29, 2008 10:50PM PST
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I followed your advise
Jan 30, 2008 4:11AM PST

Tanks again for your help
I followed your advise & I'll let you know about the results. But I wonder if there is a way that a person can access my Modem Router configuration & get access to the internet whenever I am connected. Shall I change the password of my connection just to be in the safe side.

Thanks

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Unlikely.
Jan 30, 2008 4:20AM PST

Since we disabled WIFI and this leaves WIRED ONLY connections you only need to start finding out if there is some trojan or other item. Some send email from your machine or run P2P applications (a big byte counter!)

Here's another tool for you -> http://www.metal-machine.de/readerror/index.php

Yes, it counts the total bytes up and down.

Bob

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The problem is still there
Jan 30, 2008 1:55PM PST

I did what you told me, & unfortunately the problem is still there, in few hours of connection we lost 600 MB, even though we installed the Zonealarm on every computer & disabled the WIFI.

Any advise & help will be highly appreciated

Best
Sharif

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Armed with the scans, byte counter...
Jan 31, 2008 3:45AM PST

You should be able to find the machine that eats it up.

If you play online games it chews it up. You need to email my the output of HIJACKTHIS (see google) if you want me to peek under the hood.

Bob
PS. Email it via my email link by clicking on my name.

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Modem log....
Feb 10, 2008 7:42AM PST

Get into the modem for its log...therein may be a clue or two. Type in http://xxx.xxx.xxx at your browser...
If you do not know the IP of your modem, Run cmd and type in ipconfig /all at the prompt... Look for "Gateway"...

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Yes ..........it's possible
May 28, 2008 5:45AM PDT

Hi...

Yes it is absolutely possible...someone needs to know your account password(provided by your ISP) and your landline phone number and then he can access your your internet connection even when your computer is off. He just needs to configure his own modem using your password and landline number...There are two things you must immediately do..

1.Change your account password...
To do this
(i)Go to the site of your ISP which tells your account usage..There must be a link to change your password..

(ii)In the address box of your Internet Explorer type the address used to configure your modem. For eg. In my case the address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.1.2. The address may also be mentioned on the manual of your modem..Type your new account password in your modem settings.

2.Install Zone Alarm antivirus. It's Smart Defence feature will automatically block any access attempts if someone tries to hack into your connection...