Protowall
| Protowall | |
|---|---|
| Basic data
|
|
| developer | Bluetack |
| Current version | 2.01 Build9 (Beta) |
| operating system | Windows 2000 / XP / Server 2003 |
| category | Access protection system |
| License | Freeware |
| German speaking | No |
| Protowall | |
Protowall is a so-called "IP blocker", software that specifically prevents your own PC from coming into contact with the IP addresses of undesired companies, authorities or other institutions.
functionality
Protowall sets up a network driver in the system, with which it is possible for the software to control incoming and outgoing data packets in the first place. With the help of a black list provided , Protowall can now decide whether the computer will answer an incoming data packet or let an outgoing one pass. If Protowall encounters a data packet that is addressed to or originates from one of the listed IP addresses, the relevant packet is intercepted. Communication between your own computer and an undesired company is thus prevented.
Supported protocols
Protowall is able to observe the following network protocols :
IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, HOPOPTS, IGMP, GGP, IPV4, ST, EGP, PIGP, RCCMON, NVPII, PUP, ARGUS, EMCON, CHAOS, MUX, MEAS, HMP, PRM, IDP, TRUNK1, TRUNK2, LEAF1, LEAF2, RDP, IRTP, TP, BLT, NSP, INP, SEP, 3PC, IDPR, XTP, DDP, CMTP, TPXX, IL, IPV6, SDRP, ROUTING, FRAGMENT, IDRP, RSVP, GRE, MHRP, BHA, ESP, AH, INLSP, SWIPE, NHRP, MOBILE, TLSP, SKIP, ICMPV6, NONE, DSTOPTS, AHIP, CFTP, HELLO, SATEXPAK, KRYPTOLAN, RVD, IPPC, ADFS, SATMON, VISA, IPCV, CPNX, CPHB, WSN, PVP, BRSATMON, ND, WBMON, WBEXPAK, EON, VMTP, SVMTP, VINES, TTP, IGP, DGP, TCF, IGRP, OSPFIGP, SRPC, LARP, MTP, AX.25 , IPEIP, MICP, SCCSP, ETHERIP, ENCAP, APES, GMTP, IPCOMP, PIM, PGM.
background
There are numerous companies and institutions on the Internet that spy on Internet users. Starting with observing a user's preferences - e.g. B. to be able to serve targeted advertising - from the creation of statistics up to the control of illegal activities (keyword: RIAA and MPAA ) the palette ranges. In order to be able to do this on a large scale, leased lines are required that have large bandwidths and a static IP address . Thanks to this, it is possible to use whois query to keep lists of the companies in question and to keep them away from your own computer with the help of an IP blocker or a firewall . Firewalls, however, are usually not designed to process large lists of IP addresses, so that there is often a heavy system load or even a crash (in the worst case the computer is left unprotected). IP blockers, on the other hand, only have the task of blocking IPs and can do this with a system load that is usually barely measurable.
The use of an IP blocker like Protowall can be described as a provisional security measure. On the one hand, it is hardly possible to locate all of the company's IP addresses, and on the other hand, they can just as easily access dynamic IP addresses .
Bluetack
Behind Protowall is an internet community called Bluetack Security Solutions . This community consists partly of programmers such as DudeZ (main programmer of Protowall ) as well as a number of volunteers who spy out IP addresses of companies. Among other things, Bluetack maintains a number of black lists which are divided into categories (e.g. advertising, universities, government institutions, anti- piracy organizations, etc.). Bluetack has no commercial background and is funded by donations.
Blocklist Manager
Like Protowall , Blocklist Manager is another piece of software from Bluetack . It is used to process IP lists and is able, among other things, to download lists directly from the Bluetack Internet portal and to convert them into countless formats (for various programs). Other processing options are also offered. Bluetack recommends using Protowall and Blocklist Manager in combination to ensure that the IP lists are always up to date.