A Q about IP's and multiple IP's...HELP!

[v-a-m]

Okay so I use Norton System Works 2003 under; Extra Features > Symantec Security Check, I get a different IP, than I do when I run Norton Personal Firewall 2003 security check...

The thing is... the IP I have from NSW 2003, is one I notice at a bulletin board I frequent, with many people from my town, who all share that exact IP. Now that IP, in the secuirty check, tells me I have network vulenabilites, with open 23, 80, 113 ports.

Now I've created a rule in NPFirewall 2003, and that specifically closed them.... and when I run the security check from the Norton Firewall program it takes me to a different page, a different layout, and gives me a 2 TOTALLY different (even from the previous mentioned one) IP's and both come out safe. Both the IP's that NPF gives me are longer (number wise).

I'm not sure what to make of it.. 3IP addresses?

And am I actually safe, or at risk... 2 different Norton pages, 2 new products, same company... giving me 2 different answers.

HELP, please.

Thanks alot,
VAM

Sounds like the other IP's would be for your ISP, or even for routers at your ISP.

The IP addy you have while on the internet will be listed when you do a ipconfig /all if you have a direct connection (ie a separate dialup or ethernet connection just for internet).

If you connect via a LAN, then your IP will be that of your router.

So, the most logical scenario seems to be that while YOU have closed those ports in YOUR connection, your ISP still has them open.

Make sense?

Cheers
Mick

[v-a-m]

Actually thats a bit confusing??

Am I safe from attackers then? People scanning for open ports?

Thank you,
vam

We, exactly how safe I can't say.

The reason some sites show different IP addresses might be because they can get past your ISP's firewall, let alone yours.

Either that, or you have a dynamic IP address (your ISP gives you a new one each time you connect, or changes it every so often).

If you are running the software form your own PC, might gibe you a different IP than if you run scanning software from over the net, as well (didn't pick that up last time, sorry).

Here's a neat site to scan your machine from: http://scan.sygatetech.com/ Basic, but should identify your IP address which is visible to the net. It shows my routers IP address, which is correct, as I connect through a router on my LAN.

See what that one says.

Cheers
Mick

Also, if you want to, you could PM me the IP's you mentioned. Just mask the last numbers (eg 123.456.789.xxx), and I should be able to work out where they come from.

Cheers
Mick