HOW TO SECURE Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003 & VISTA, fully, per CIS Tool scoring

[APK]

As regards the "Russian Business Network" (RBN) who has been @ the heart of MANY online attacks (or, things like Zlob trojan & IDTheft related attacks, etc. et al)? Use this information to protect yourselves, from them.

(RELIABLE/REPUTABLE SOURCE USED = http://www.spamhaus.org/rokso/eviden...kso_id=ROK7465

----

FIRST OF ALL - Note, I use "0.0.0.0" vs. "127.0.0.1"

(That is simply because iirc, the zero's based one leads to a NULL port type of request, rather than your "loopback adapter" (i.e.-> YOUR OWN MACHINE fielding requests) for a couple of reasons (which it took me some time to come up w/ & testing as to which is "better" to use)).

SECONDLY, 0.0.0.0 is SMALLER than 127.0.0.1, & thus, parses + loads FAR faster, & is smaller on disk is why - AND, in RAM once loaded: THUS, I am logically concluding that 0.0.0.0 is better to use period for HOSTS file blocks - same function, & @ LESSER cost, nearly all the way around (less diskspace, faster loadspeed, less memory occupancy, & etc. et al). A MORE EFFICIENT STRUCTURE!

----

USING NOTEPAD.EXE

ADD THIS LIST TO YOUR CUSTOM HOSTS FILE (usually located in %windir%\system32\drivers\etc subfolder-subdirectory):

# === START OF KNOWN RUSSIAN BUSINESS NETWORK/RBN MAPPINGS + AFFILIATED KNOWN SERVERS ===
0.0.0.0 rxpharmacy-support.com
0.0.0.0 ns3.cnmsn.com
0.0.0.0 thecanadianmeds.com
0.0.0.0 officialmedicines.com
0.0.0.0 psxshop.com
0.0.0.0 10000xing.cn
0.0.0.0 222360.com
0.0.0.0 adslooks.info
0.0.0.0 bnably.com
0.0.0.0 eqcorn.com
0.0.0.0 familypostcards2008.com
0.0.0.0 freshcards2008.com
0.0.0.0 happy2008toyou.com
0.0.0.0 happysantacards.com
0.0.0.0 hellosanta2008.com
0.0.0.0 hohoho2008.com
0.0.0.0 kqfloat.com
0.0.0.0 ltbrew.com
0.0.0.0 mymetavids.com
0.0.0.0 obebos.cn
0.0.0.0 parentscards.com
0.0.0.0 postcards-2008.com
0.0.0.0 ptowl.com
0.0.0.0 qavoter.com
0.0.0.0 santapcards.com
0.0.0.0 santawishes2008.com
0.0.0.0 siski.cn
0.0.0.0 snbane.com
0.0.0.0 snlilac.com
0.0.0.0 tibeam.com
0.0.0.0 tushove.com
0.0.0.0 wxtaste.com
0.0.0.0 yxbegan.com
0.0.0.0 iframedollars.biz
0.0.0.0 NS1.RBNNETWORK.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.4USER.NET
0.0.0.0 NS1.EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NAME1.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.RBNNETWORK.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.4USER.NET
0.0.0.0 NS2.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 NAME2.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 RUSOUVENIRS.COM
0.0.0.0 RBNNETWORK.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.INFOBOX.ORG
0.0.0.0 NS2.INFOBOX.ORG
0.0.0.0 NS1.RUSOUVENIRS.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.RUSOUVENIRS.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.RUSOUVENIRS.NET
0.0.0.0 NS2.RUSOUVENIRS.NET
0.0.0.0 SBTTEL.COM
0.0.0.0 AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 AKIMON.NET
0.0.0.0 EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.4USER.NET
0.0.0.0 NS1.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 NAME1.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NS1.RBNNETWORK.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.4USER.NET
0.0.0.0 NS2.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NAME2.AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.RBNNETWORK.COM
0.0.0.0 NS2.EEXHOST.COM
0.0.0.0 VALUEDOT.NET
0.0.0.0 ns0.valuedot.net
0.0.0.0 ns1.valuedot.net
0.0.0.0 1000WATT.BIZ
0.0.0.0 2SOVKA.NET
0.0.0.0 AIDEN-GROUP.COM
0.0.0.0 AKIMON.COM
0.0.0.0 ALEKC.NET
0.0.0.0 ANDREY-STUDIO.INFO
0.0.0.0 AUTOKUBAN.INFO
0.0.0.0 AVIATRAVELAGENCY.COM
0.0.0.0 AVTOMOBILEY.NET
0.0.0.0 BAGA****A.COM
0.0.0.0 BAIKERGROUP.COM
0.0.0.0 BALTICDOORS.COM
0.0.0.0 BALTMONOLIT.COM
0.0.0.0 BRIGADA-EL.COM
0.0.0.0 CARPRIVOZ.COM
0.0.0.0 CHILLERU.COM
0.0.0.0 CVETOVODSTVO.COM
0.0.0.0 E-GOLD-CHANGER.COM
0.0.0.0 ELECTRONOV.NET
0.0.0.0 FASHIONER.BIZ
0.0.0.0 FFFFFF.ORG
0.0.0.0 FIFACUP06.INFO
0.0.0.0 FISHTORG.COM
0.0.0.0 FKGARANT.COM
0.0.0.0 FOTORETUSH.COM
0.0.0.0 FREGATSOFT.COM
0.0.0.0 FROLROMANOFF.COM
0.0.0.0 FULLVER.INFO
0.0.0.0 GAKKEL.COM
0.0.0.0 GARANTSERVICE.ORG
0.0.0.0 GDEDENGI.INFO
0.0.0.0 GLAZKI.NET
0.0.0.0 GOLD-DRAGON.INFO
0.0.0.0 GORODM.COM
0.0.0.0 GRAYZI.NET
0.0.0.0 GRIFFINFLY.COM
0.0.0.0 HEAT-ENERGO.COM
0.0.0.0 HITEMA.NET
0.0.0.0 HYIPREVIEW.INFO
0.0.0.0 HYIPSMAP.COM
0.0.0.0 ILOXX.ORG
0.0.0.0 IMYA.INFO
0.0.0.0 INFODOSKA.COM
0.0.0.0 INTERNETWORLDBOOK.COM
0.0.0.0 KLIMATA.NET
0.0.0.0 KOMOV.NET
0.0.0.0 KOSMETICHKA.NET
0.0.0.0 LIDTRADE.COM
0.0.0.0 LIFE-RU.ORG
0.0.0.0 LPSPB.COM
0.0.0.0 M-OST.NET
0.0.0.0 M-UNLOCK.COM
0.0.0.0 MAMRU.COM
0.0.0.0 MAPSERV.COM
0.0.0.0 MASTERDOKS.COM
0.0.0.0 MIRMED.COM
0.0.0.0 MOOSEMUSE.COM
0.0.0.0 MOREPRODUCT.NET
0.0.0.0 MUSEMOOSE.COM
0.0.0.0 NESTRONICS.COM
0.0.0.0 NESTRONICS.NET
0.0.0.0 NOFUN.INFO
0.0.0.0 OIL-GAS-MINERALS.COM
0.0.0.0 OKOSHKA.NET
0.0.0.0 OPTIMUS.BIZ
0.0.0.0 OTKRITKI.NET
0.0.0.0 OTKRITOK.NET
0.0.0.0 PARALLELSIXTY.COM
0.0.0.0 PASSOMONTANO.COM
0.0.0.0 PETROBALT.NET
0.0.0.0 PHARMACY-MD.COM
0.0.0.0 PISKUNOV.NET
0.0.0.0 POIGRAI.INFO
0.0.0.0 PROETCONTRA.ORG
0.0.0.0 PSOLAO.ORG
0.0.0.0 ROSEL.INFO
0.0.0.0 SBTTEL.COM
0.0.0.0 SECONDAPPROACH.COM
0.0.0.0 SMARTSOFTLINE.COM
0.0.0.0 SMESHNOY.COM
0.0.0.0 SQUAREDREAM.COM
0.0.0.0 STROIINFORM.COM
0.0.0.0 STROYBRIGADA.COM
0.0.0.0 TANK-HOBBY.COM
0.0.0.0 TECHNONORDIC.COM
0.0.0.0 TELEUNITED.NET
0.0.0.0 TEPLOCOM.COM
0.0.0.0 THERMOCAUTERY.COM
0.0.0.0 TIARU.COM
0.0.0.0 TRADEFINANS.COM
0.0.0.0 TRADEFINANS.NET
0.0.0.0 TRAININGS-TRIUMPH.ORG
0.0.0.0 TSAR-SUVENIR.COM
0.0.0.0 UEFACUP08.INFO
0.0.0.0 UMNIKSOFT.COM
0.0.0.0 UNDERCOOLED.NET
0.0.0.0 VALIDBIT.COM
0.0.0.0 VERESC.ORG
0.0.0.0 VOROLAIN.COM
0.0.0.0 WHITENIGHTSHOSTELS.COM
0.0.0.0 WORLDFONDS.NET
0.0.0.0 XRUST.NET
0.0.0.0 YAHOCHU.COM
0.0.0.0 Z-GROUP.INFO
0.0.0.0 ZDRAV.INFO
0.0.0.0 ZHESTOV.NET
0.0.0.0 ZOOSPB.COM
0.0.0.0 goldenpiginvest.com
0.0.0.0 goldenpiginvest.net
0.0.0.0 pharmacy-viagra.net
# === END OF KNOWN RUSSIAN BUSINESS NETWORK/RBN MAPPINGS + AFFILIATED KNOWN SERVERS ===

Also - You can (AND SHOULD) verify your HOSTS file location, because it CAN be moved (& some virus/spywares do so, like QHosts) by using regedit.exe
& going here:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\Tcpip\Parameters

& checking to see it has NOT been misdirected from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\etc

(Unless you KNOW that YOU move it, as I do!)

I move mine INTENTIONALLY to another disk here that is less used & faster on seeks!

That is just so it init.'s faster since the HDD is not contending with other programs loading etc.
or data loading etc. - mine's on an SSD (solid-state ramdisk, for access-seek gains for example).

----

FOR FIREWALL BLOCKING RULES (or IE "restricted zones" lists (in IE options), OR possibly IP Security Policies usage):

I.P. address block for Russian Business Network:

81.95.144.0/20 #SBL43489
(81.95.144.0 - 81.95.159.255)

And the address blocks for its equally corrupt cousins at Intercage, Inhoster, and Nevacon:

85.255.112.0/20 #SBL36702
(85.255.112.0 - 85.255.127.255)

69.50.160.0/19
(69.50.160.0 - 69.50.191.255)

194.146.204.0/22 #SBL51152
(194.146.204.0 - 194.146.207.255)

Lastly/Optionally - You should block all IPs starting with these if you do not care about Russia and China:

193.
194.
195.
213.
217.
62.64.
62.76.

(AND, A few major Internet providers that provide services to RBN including)

Tiscali.uk
SBT Telecom
Aki Mon Telecom
Nevacon LTD
Frame Cash
76service
Noc4Hosts

APK

[APK]

So you all know WHY I put up info. on the "RBN" (Russian Business Network) in my last post above?

Well, I strongly suspect "they're @ it again" & here is why:

Cyber-attack launched from 10,000 web pages:

http://itnews.com.au/News/71994,cyberattac...-web-pages.aspx

"A single entity is likely to be behind this attack, since the malicious code on all these pages came from the same server in China."

(AND, the "RBN" is KNOWN to 'hop between' China & Russia regularly, as needed, & I suspect they are the ones behind this, but the article offers NO discrete IP Address ranges or IP's so, we have to wait on the specifics, but it is a GOOD guess based on their prior track record w/ Zlob, which I see nearly every day @ times on the job)...

APK

[APK]

"New NEWS": Well, it appears I was correct in my "assumption/guess" above (about my suspecting the "RBN being @ it again") 2 posts up, which are NOW verified, per this quote from the above source:

SECOND MASS HACK EXPOSED:

http://www.itnews.com.au/News/72214,second...ck-exposed.aspx

AND, the source I used for this list:

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/2008/03/more-...ame-attack.html

And, the salient portion that notes that my suspicion was correct:

"if you look at the IPs used in the IFRAMEs, these are the front-end to rogue anti virus and anti spyware tools that were using RBN's infrastructure before it went dark, and continue using some of the new netblocks acquired by the RBN"

So, with that said? Here are those URL's from the list above, albeit altered to 0.0.0.0 equations, for your CUSTOM HOSTS FILE, that shuts out RBN (these appear to be their newly acquired domains list) & the servers they use:

START OF LIST TO ADD TO YOUR CUSTOM HOSTS FILE FOR BLOCKING OUT BAD SITEs/ADBANNERS THAT MAY BE INFECTED ETC.:
0.0.0.0 do-t-h-e.com
0.0.0.0 rx-pharmacy.cn
0.0.0.0 m5b.info
0.0.0.0 hotpornotube08.com
0.0.0.0 hot-pornotube-2008.com
0.0.0.0 hot-pornotube08.com
0.0.0.0 adult-tubecodec2008.com
0.0.0.0 adulttubecodec2008.com
0.0.0.0 hot-tubecodec20.com
0.0.0.0 media-tubecodec2008.com
0.0.0.0 porn-tubecodec20.com
0.0.0.0 scanner.spyshredderscanner.com
0.0.0.0 xpantivirus2008.com
0.0.0.0 xpantivirus.com
0.0.0.0 bestsexworld.info
0.0.0.0 requestedlinks.com
END OF LIST TO ADD TO YOUR CUSTOM HOSTS FILE FOR BLOCKING OUT BAD SITEs/ADBANNERS THAT MAY BE INFECTED ETC.:

FOR THOSE INTERESTED (or, those that need actual IP addresses to add to firewall rules tables OR IE restricted zones etc.), here are the actual IP addresses of the bogus servers:

do-t-h-e.com (69.50.167.166)
rx-pharmacy.cn (82.103.140.65)
m5b.info (124.217.253.6)
hotpornotube08.com (206.51.229.67)
hot-pornotube-2008.com (206.51.229.67)
hot-pornotube08.com (206.51.229.67)
adult-tubecodec2008.com (195.93.218.43)
adulttubecodec2008.com (195.93.218.43)
hot-tubecodec20.com (195.93.218.43)
media-tubecodec2008.com (195.93.218.43)
porn-tubecodec20.com (195.93.218.43)
scanner.spyshredderscanner.com (77.91.229.106)
xpantivirus2008.com (69.50.173.10)
xpantivirus.com (72.36.198.2)
bestsexworld.info (72.232.224.154)
requestedlinks.com (216.255.185.82)

Also - These you won't be able to block via HOSTS file filtering methods, but still can be blocked via other means (IE restricted zones, firewall rules tables, etc. et al):

89.149.243.201
89.149.243.202
72.232.39.252
195.225.178.21

:)

* Enjoy, stay safe, & keep surfing!

APK

[APK]

The "RBN"'s still @ it (per earlier in this guide/last page)

&

Gaining more servers to attack folks with online!

(Per my earlier posts on how to add to a HOSTS file & their IP addresses above - this gent is whom I got this info. from & he's a fairly noted security researcher + ontop of them & their activities online it seems, use him for a resource, excellent so far (proved me right in my guess above too, albeit far later than I guessed it was they, lol (pretty obvious if you follow security trends & news though to be honest)):

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/

:)

He has more servers there (updated list is why) vs. my own above... if you're into your online security? Refer to it & add his lists to your HOSTS file too (or, email me for mine to save time if you wish, many have).

APK

[APK]

For users of Adobe Acrobat Reader (of any version or patch level today - safety hint):

Since it has been attacked so much recently (via its ability to place javascripting into its .pdf document format, & javascript that bears truly "ill will")?

Well, update to the latest/greatest version... HOWEVER, if you don't trust that, as I do not, FULLY?

(I say this, & simply because browser makers have been trying that left & right since "time immemorial" online, & more of those types of attacks pop up of differing nature that evades new patches vs. it, keep popping up regardless of the patches!)

Plus, like I had stated earlier in this guide?

I suggested turning off using javascript for EVERY SITE online, in your webbrowser (& only keep it for ones that demand it (or, become useless w/out it, like many shopping &/or banking sites - this lessens the possibility of being poisoned by bad adbanner OR site code & also lessens the attack surface area + limits the possibles to the sites you left javascript on for, ONLY))??

Try this FOR ADOBE ACROBAT READER ALSO:

TURN OFF JAVASCRIPT USAGE IN ADOBE ACROBAT READER!

Simply to be safe vs. attacks in it that are javascript-based in nature!

• Use Adobe Acrobat's EDIT menu

• PREFERENCES submenu

• Javascript section (in left-hand side column of options)

& uncheck "Enable Acrobat Javascript" in the right-hand side option for that.

APK

P.S.=> That assures you are "bullet-proofed" vs. Adobe Acrobat malware/bad javascript containing contaminated .pdf documents via bogus javascript in them for exploiting you online today!

NOW - the only hassle here is that SOMETIMES, there is so much javascript in them, ADOBE MAY "nag" a lot about it, & should have a feature to turn that off (imo @ least)... apk

[APK]

USE YOUR "ADD-REMOVE" CONTROL PANEL APPLET!

This is important - as MANY 'malware/trojans' actually DO use since they realize folks do NOT regularly check this area.

IF you don't recognize a ware?

Look it up on GOOGLE (or altavista/yahoo, etc.) to find out if it is MALWARE or not, &/or IF you need it @ all (if you don't? It's "dead weight" & taking up space on your disks & slowing you down only).

APK

[APK]

SECURING THE TELNET SERVICE & USER GROUPS:

And, a Mr. Markuss Jansson on his point on TELNET service (tlntsrv.exe iirc).

http://www.markusjansson.net/exp.html

Turn Telnet NTLM logings off

-> Run: telnet.exe
--> Type (and press enter): unset ntlm

He also has more on things like "EFS" (encrypting filesystem) which I omitted, & both Mr. J.'s site & the GOVERNMENT ones I note, also cover it too (or, supplement points I made with more alternatives etc.).

APK

P.S.=> I list MORE security techniques for securing telnet, here (did this years ago circa 1997-2002, & it's cited in 2001 here @ Neowin, by searching TELNET on that page) to supplement this technique:

=================================
APK "A to Z" Internet Speedup & Security Text!
=================================

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/01/1...-security-text

=================================

Which goes into that point on TELNET & many others (including more speed tuneups, services cutoffs for speed + security in DETAIL & far more also to supplement this post here)... apk

[APK]

"Checks & Balances" (accuracy check of this article by "pros" (still, test for yourselves, because a simple certification doesn't a security-pro make)), Part 1

I also "took the liberty" of contacting a "security-pro" (in Don Parker of "SecurityFocus.com" fame)!

This is in regards to my outline/article/guide here, & here were HIS thoughts/opinions on its content @ this point:

**********

Hello apk,

I don't see any real downsides to what you posted. The only thing is that
you need to remember the audience that it is you are trying to reach. If
your goal was to hit the newbies as it were then you may have missed the
mark a bit. Beyond that, it looks fine to me.

--Don

**********

That's so you guys all reading here have SOME idea this stuff is SOLID, & works, & 'passes muster' with the "top geeks" (lol, no offense intended, but lacking a better expression here is all - because mere certifications do NOT an 'expert make', as in the fellow I note above, because iirc, that is ALL he has going for him afaik & to myself @ least? THIS IS NOT ENOUGH, certs are not the same as full degrees, & not by a LONG shot in this field) in the arena of computer security!

So, test for yourselves, via CIS Tool - to be sure...

--------------

Also - Do please check this page out, for even more security points:

C S R C - Systems Administration

Especially the downloadable guide for security there to supplement this one's points, it is named -> SP800-69.pdf

----

The PDF file guide above from NIST (in association w/ the U.S. Gov't. on securing PC's no less), like my guide here also?

That also lists a "6.32 Removing Malware" section as well!

So, that is in response to 'my naysayers' from various forums that cricized me for listing such a guide here!

(In fact, many of them were MS-MVP mods too no less, but many on many forums would NOT cite "why" or yield specifics I asked for as to WHY I SHOULD NOT LIST SUCH A GUIDE in this article's content... well, experts in this area appear to agree with myself, as it IS part of "securing a computer" in knowing HOW TO REMOVE INFESTATIONS, as I do, like THEY do as well!)

Anyhow/anyways - The .pdf guide from NIST either tend to reinforce my own, OR, go beyond in some cases!

E.G.->

• Securing wireless networks

• Securing MS-Office apps better

• Script file extensions associations with notepad.exe for instance (for safety vs. scripted attacks)

• More on email & webbrowser security

• The SIGVERIFY utility (file signature checker)

• Disabling unneeded accounts

That's for some things I did not cover well imo, here (OR RATHER, well enough earlier), & to supplement my guide (both have good ideas & they both work).

APK

[APK]

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2240/52041100vo6.png



That's an example of where your score (for users on Windows XP SP #2 no less fully hotfix patched as of this date) can be @ scoring-wise, on the CIS Tool benchmark test gauge of Windows Security, after following its suggestions for security-hardening your systems.

A 90.112 score... & that was AlexStarFire's score from the 3dguru.com forums, once he applied it to his home system ("stand-alone", non-HOME or WORK-LAN system, online on the public internet), which is way, Way, WAY up from its initial default score of 46.xxx/100...

:)

* Here is an example of a user named Thronka, who employed it to security-harden the endpoints on his LAN/WAN setup @ work, who is also enjoying it successfully as well, albeit this time, in a BUSINESS environs (as I have it as well, for both HOME standalone machine online today, & also on the job):

http://www.xtremepccentral.com/forum...ad.php?t=28430

APK

P.S.=> I hope you guys also employ it thus as well - it starts with reaching just 1 person, & then, by example? Others start to apply it also, & then things start to change "for the better", because by securing yourself, & maybe even setting up your pals & families machines' this way? You lessen the possibility of "spreading the diseases" out there online today... apk

[APK]

A great site that Mr. Dancho Danchev "turned me onto", for making additions to your CUSTOM HOSTS FILE (mentioned earlier on in this guide in STEP # 5) via his security blog... how/why?

SRI Malware Threat Center

:)

* Well - it keeps an updated listing of sites & servers that are KNOWN TO BE MALICIOUS!

APK