FAQ 35: More information about access to shared folders

 

In order to be able to share both network folders and printers, Microsoft Windows networks use a protocol or system called NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System). NetBIOS can work independently or over another type of protocol: for example, IPX/SPX (belonging to Novell NetWare networks), or TCP/IP (protocol used in the Internet).

 

The technology used by the firewall incorporated in Platinum Internet Security allows NetBIOS type connections to be blocked, when they are working over TCP/IP. This is because this type of connection does not pose any real threats. Therefore, several situations could arise with NetBIOS type connections:

 

·      NetBIOS working independently (NetBEUI): In this case, NetBIOS is known as NetBEUI (NetBIOS Enhanced User Interface) and does not need another type of transport protocol (it works independently). It is designed to be used in very small networks, where they are all connected to the same segment of the network (for example, they are all connected to one hub). This situation is special as only the computers that are in the same medium can communicate. Furthermore, information is transferred by one computer at a time, reaching the rest without needing to be routed.

 

The firewall incorporated in Platinum Internet Security does not prevent connections established through this type of functioning (NetBEUI). However, due to the nature of this protocol, it is not used for unauthorized connection from the Internet. This means that using this protocol does not pose any threats.

 

·      NetBIOS working over IPX/SPX (NWLINK-NetBIOS): In this case, NetBIOS used the NWLINK-NetBIOS protocol and works in Novell NetWare networks. This allows NetBIOS to be used over the IPX/SPX protocol, which belongs to this type of network (Novell). This protocol can be used in large and medium-sized local area networks (LAN).

 

The firewall incorporated in Platinum Internet Security does not prevent connections established through this type of system (NWLINK-NetBIOS). However, this protocol cannot be used for accessing computers connected to a local area network from the Internet. This means that using this protocol does not pose any threats.

 

·      NetBIOS working over TCP/IP: In this case, NetBIOS uses the TCP/IP protocol. This is the most common way of functioning at the moment.

 

The main advantages are the following: The same protocol or communication type (inbound / outbound) is used in the local area network to which the computer is connected as used in its Internet communications. This system is supported by many hardware elements and by many programs or applications (the most widely-used).

 

As well as these advantages, it also involves risks. As already mentioned, the local area network uses the same protocol as the Internet. This means that the shared folders in the local network can also be shared by other computers or users through Internet connections. Therefore, users that connected to your computer through the Internet could also access the shared folders in the network you are connected to.

 

The firewall incorporated in Platinum Internet Security covers this situation. When setting the firewall security configuration, Platinum Internet Security allows you to specify the network adapters (network connection or phone access) that have access permissions. Therefore, NetBIOS type connections to these folders will only be established through the adapter (network connection or phone access) used in the network to which you are connected.