How to visually trace a hacker

Side note: I have been extremely busy for the last 3 weeks making adjustments to the web site. I haven't had much time to work on newsletters this week, so I'm reposting some 'best of' Infopackets Gazette. Without further adieu, please enjoy this previously posted article on "How to visually trace a hacker".

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Wouldn't it be great if you could visually trace back the path of a hacker?

A little while back, I received an email from Infopackets Reader 'J. Noway' who provided me a link to two freeware programs that do just that. J. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I recently came across a program that is able to analyze firewall log files and produces a visually appealing dialogue box, where the user can find out 'who' and what time an attack occurred. Its a great way for users to see how their firewall is working, what ports are being probed, and best of all, it has the 'backtrace' feature that gives a clearer idea of whom is knocking at their door!

Side note: A firewall is "a system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria." (Source: webOpedia.com)

The program, available from visualzonesoftware.com, has been designed specifically to work with Zone Alarm Firewall (free or Pro) and also works with Black Ice Firewall. And best of all, both 'VisualZone' and 'VisualIce' are freeware. "

http://www.visualizesoftware.com

After reading J.'s description, I decided to install VisualZone on my computer.

After VisualZone was installed, I open the main screen and began scrolling through my firewall log data. The next thing I did was click on View -> Attack Details, and I was able to get a more detailed account of the attacks. Impressive.

Overall, I was fairly impressed with VisualZone. The fact that it works with ZoneAlarm firewall (which is also free) makes using firewall software that much more simpler. The visualsoftware.com web site has some great tutorials on using VisualZone / VisualIce, so be sure to check out the 'more info' links.

http://visualize.phenominet.com/visualzone/visualzone.htm

http://www.visualizesoftware.com/visualice/visualice.htm

And, for those of you who still don't have a firewall on your system, you really ought to get one installed. You can get ZoneAlarm free by visiting the ZoneLabs web site.

Side note: If you've never used ZoneAlarm before, my PC Security Guide includes an informative video tutorial (downloadable and playable on the PC) which explains how to set up ZoneAlarm and protect your PC against hackers.