MioNet

[zimmerframe]

A little while ago, I posted a query about what backup strategies, people had.

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4605.0

Well, I bought myself a WD MyWorldBook NAS drive.  It came with some backup software though I bought Acronis 11 Home to use instead and have made backups of my PC and my wifes laptop successfully to the NAS drive.

I also has a trial of Mionet anywhere access.  I tested this out today and can access my home PC from work, (and can open applications).  Once the trial runs out, unless I subscribe, (at $6.95/month) I would then have access to just the public files that I have set on the NAS drive.

Some questions.  What are the security implications of this type of access?  If I can access my PC, with a bit of jiggery pokery, can anyone else?  It must I presume, use open ports on my PC?  How does it get through my router?

I'm not sure of the usefulness of having access to my PC from anywhere I want, I think its a bit of a gimmick, (though I could also access my webcam, check up on my wife, drinking tea and eating Maltesers  Only joking dear.).  Access to my public files could be useful.  Photos etc on a remote machine.

The drive itself, I am very pleased with.  1Tb of storage for just over £200

[Rik]

I don't know the software, Zim, but my take on it would be that if you can get in, then someone else can too. Personally, I don't like the prospect, so turn off things like remote access.

[zimmerframe]

It looks to be a kind of VPN I think.

http://www.mionet.com/index.jsp

Like you say, If I can get in with just a usernam and password, then so can anyone else.

[Gary]

I don't know the software, Zim, but my take on it would be that if you can get in, then someone else can too. Personally, I don't like the prospect, so turn off things like remote access.

Same here Rik I turn off remote access and remote registry as one of the first things I do when I install, also File and Printer sharing as I don't use that

[Rik]

Like you say, If I can get in with just a usernam and password, then so can anyone else.

If security is that limited, I'd be very wary, or very restrictive. If it was tied to IP address, I might be a little more relaxed.