* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass discusses how to prevent SSH break-ins * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter offers advice for connecting laptops to access points
* Preventing SSH break-ins
By Steve Blass
Q: We are seeing significantly more SSH break-in attempts in our server logs lately. What can we do to protect ourselves better?
A: If possible, restrict SSH logins to specific user/host combinations. If you must leave an SSH login service open to the world then move the service to a nonstandard port. That won’t cure anything but it may slow the attackers down.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* When the laptop stops connecting to access points
By Ron Nutter
Q: I occasionally have difficulties connecting to unsecured wireless networks (say at hotels or airports). The configuration goes through applying the wireless settings, associates, renews the IP address but fails at the IP config step. Is there a workaround for this? I have an IBM ThinkPad and tried using both the IBM Access connections and windows configurations. They both give the same result.
A: First, you’ll need to figure out if you’re dealing with a hardware or a software problem. Try downloading the latest copy of Knoppix – a Linux distribution that you can run from a CD that has an extensive list of supported hardware. If you can associate to wireless access points using this where you can’t with Windows, then you know you’re dealing with a software issue.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
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