Using phone as modem-any security issues?

essexsi_2

Hi all,

I have recently used my HTC Hero as a modem, really just to see if it works!! I am connecting using Tmobiles network.

Do I need to be aware of any extra security issues compared to connecting to my home wifi. Computer is running Avast, Windows XP inbuilt firewall, Malwarebytes, Spyware Terminator and Spybot S&D.

Anything else needed?

Cheers for your help.

Si

Hammyman

Yes. If you're using it via bluetooth, change the passcode on the phone from the default of 0000 for all bluetooth devices so world and dog can't connect through it.

essexsi_2

Thanks for your reply Hammyman. To be honest hadn't realised I could do that via bluetooth!!!!

I had connected via cable.

Cheers Si

tronator

essexsi wrote: »

I have recently used my HTC Hero as a modem, really just to see if it works!! I am connecting using Tmobiles network.

Do I need to be aware of any extra security issues compared to connecting to my home wifi. Computer is running Avast, Windows XP inbuilt firewall, Malwarebytes, Spyware Terminator and Spybot S&D.

I can't speak for the Hero, but my rooted G1 acts as a router when I connect it via USB to my laptop, not as modem. That means I get a private IP address on my laptop and the only thing which could be accessed from the Internet is the phone. But if you didn't install any services which listen on the Internet device you're pretty safe.

essexsi_2

Cheers Tronator.

I'm sorry but I only understood half what you said!! I connect via cable and then on the phone I go into settings and click 'share internet connection'.

May I ask what would be the difference between a router and modem in this situation and could I do something to make my phone act as a router? The private IP address sounds good, especially if I knew what it meant and could set it up!!!!!

Cheers for your time. Si

tronator

essexsi wrote: »

Cheers Tronator.

I'm sorry but I only understood half what you said!! I connect via cable and then on the phone I go into settings and click 'share internet connection'.

May I ask what would be the difference between a router and modem in this situation and could I do something to make my phone act as a router? The private IP address sounds good, especially if I knew what it meant and could set it up!!!!!

Cheers for your time. Si

Short version: With a modem you're directly connected to the Internet and have a public IP address. If you haven't secured your computer or some software has a security hole, then an attacker could gain access to your PC. With a router an attacker can only get as far as to the router. A router usually runs only a very limited amount of services which are protected by firewall rules. This makes it very difficult for an attacker to gain access.

The easiest way to find out whether your phone acts as a router or modem is to connect through your phone, open a command prompt and run the command "ipconfig". There should only appear private IP's usually starting with 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_networks#Private_IPv4_address_spaces

omen666

check your tariff to for data allowance and that is for using it as a tethered device rather than your phones data allowance

essexsi_2

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Tronator, thanks very much for taking the time to explain, still don't really understand but I managed to run my first command prompt!! It states my IP is 192.168.XXX.XXX, am I correct in assuming that my phone is therefor acting as a router. Is this basically the same as connecting to my home router and so is just as safe to do stuff such as internet banking? Is there any way to increase security on my phone?

Omen666, your quite right I should check. I have a 3GB monthly allowance and when I checked usage online for the dates in question it was no more than any other day.

Cheers for your help. Si