ShieldsUp - Free Security Check

ShieldsUp is on-line tool that will attempt to break into your computer by testing for weaknesses. I have used this for many years and you can trust it!

Go to the ‘Shields Up’ site and before going ahead to check your system, take time to read the first page.

I think the bit about the 'machine name' needs some explannation. What they are saying here is that your "Machine Name" should be dependent on your current IP address and not unique. If it is dependent on your IP address then it changes every time you get a new address and this is a GOOD thing! My machine name was given as: "78.pool12-34-56.dynamic.orange.es" and my IP Address was 12.34.56.78. (I've changed the numbers for my security but also to make it easier to see what's happening). As you can see, the IP address numbers (12345678) appear in the Machine Name which means that my Machine Name changes - good news! You should check that your Machine Name follows a similar pattern.

Now go ahead and "Proceed" t the next page on their site and check your “File Sharing” and “Common Ports” weaknesses. The site will attempt to access your system and will give you a report.

Here is a screenshot from my "Common Ports" report and this is what you hope to receive ("Passed" and Green boxes!).

If you don't 'pass' then you need to tighten your security. One of the reasons for not passing is not using a router - a router sits between your computer and the Internet and has a built in Firewall that blocks access to the vulnerable ports on your computer.  If your computer connects directly to the Internet and doesn't go through a router then you are likely to have ports that are open to security threats.

If you are not sure and would like some advice then please contact me.

Sites