[Billthedrill]

Yeah, yeah, the usual vulgar references to aliens and such...what, no anal probe jokes yet? Then let me be the first...

This isn't necessarily a problem and you have one of the tools necessary to deal with it. ZoneAlarm is a similar, and very effective product. But if you really want security get a little switch - mine is made by LinkSys and Belden makes a good one too - that does IP address switching and allows you to turn ports on and off manually as well as have them automatically blocked by a software product such as the ones mentioned.

There's a very great deal of this going around - sometimes it's just a random ping, sometimes (especially if you start seeing it repeatedly from the same source) it's actually a breakin attempt. If your ISP uses DHCP to give you a different IP address every time you connect (most do) then you're only vulnerable for that session at that address.

If you're running a home network you might consider assigning your own addresses within it using "non-routable" addresses, and switching addys at the switch or router level. If you already know about this stuff forgive me for patronizing...if not, FReemail me.

[Spangler]

The most interesting firewall I have seen used is a 486. It is the gate to the outside of this guy's network. If you break-in, you are knocking around in an old machine with a bunch of stuff put there to baffle and confuse the cyber burgular. Any system can be hacked, but his I feel is much safer then mine that is protected by Zone Alarm pro.

If you use a software firewall, be suspicious. Many break-ins are done by emulating the name of something that is routinely granted access.

[blackbart.223]

"Yeah, yeah, the usual vulgar references to aliens and such...what, no anal probe jokes yet?"

Read post #9 and read between the lines.