IP address security
This question is related to my other webcam question (which has no replies yet).
My webcam shows up at an address similar to this one, but I've changed a few of the numbers so this one ain't real.
It appears that this is my IP address and the 8081 is a port (whatever that means)? My question is about security. Is it a risk for me to publicize this url? Does giving away my IP address open me up for hack attacks?
kb posted this at 15:14 — 25th July 2007.
He has: 1,380 posts
Joined: Feb 2002
Well.... any site that you visit has access to that IP address. Now, the 8081 port is what you'll have to look at.
I'm not familiar with webcams, but I'm assuming there's some sort of permissions/acceptance-of-access protocol? If that's true, then you will want to look in (most likely) creating specific rules within your firewall for that port.
So, yes and no. It can be dangerous if that port is wide open... but otherwise you should be ok.
JeevesBond posted this at 23:02 — 25th July 2007.
He has: 3,956 posts
Joined: Jun 2002
Yes. It's also a risk to even connect to the Internet, the simple rule is: the more functionality, the higher the risk.
I wouldn't worry about that. If you're trying to make yourself secure you should assume your IP address is plastered on billboards all over every major city in the world with the slogan: '71.71.536.128 -- HACK ME!' Be paranoid and remember: security through obscurity is rarely effective.
If I were you I'd set this webcam up on an old machine, where it doesn't matter if some cracker destroys it, get a firewall and port forward to the webcam using NAT. If you have multiple services on one machine (like a webcam, webserver etc.) put the machine in a 'DMZ' on the firewall, this means the firewall will not block anything bound for that machine.
I answered your other post: sorry I didn't notice it sooner.
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fifeclub posted this at 15:19 — 26th July 2007.
He has: 688 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
Thanks for the response, both here and the other thread.
Here's an indirect link to the webcam, but here are a few warnings first:
Unfortunately I'm pretty lost with all the technical stuff you mentioned so I don't think I can do any of those extra security things you suggested. Would you be concerned with the way it is set up right now (directly to my only computer)?
Thanks again.
JeevesBond posted this at 00:42 — 27th July 2007.
He has: 3,956 posts
Joined: Jun 2002
Hmmm, you're taking a chance. I would be concerned, although that doesn't mean anything will happen.
Have you not got a firewall at all?
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fifeclub posted this at 01:40 — 27th July 2007.
He has: 688 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
Just the default Windows XP Firewall. Better than nothing.
JeevesBond posted this at 03:07 — 27th July 2007.
He has: 3,956 posts
Joined: Jun 2002
True, but not that much better.
You should at least get a hardware firewall and make sure your machine has all the Microsoft updates installed. I doubt anything will happen either way, it's all down to whether you're willing to take the risk.
The dog appears to be trying to sleep. The cam's working well though, that's certain.
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