Norton Internet Security question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on frequent alerts from Norton Internet Security 2003 regarding a remote system attempting to access the Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services on users' computers. Users are advised that svchost.exe is a legitimate process that runs various services, but there is concern about potential virus activity. While some users suggest allowing the access, others experience significant disruptions to their internet traffic, prompting recommendations to disable Norton’s firewall or switch to alternative security solutions like ZoneAlarm. The alerts are linked to foreign IP addresses, raising security concerns among users.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of svchost.exe and its role in Windows operating systems
  • Familiarity with Norton Internet Security 2003 and its alert mechanisms
  • Basic knowledge of firewall functionality and configuration
  • Awareness of alternative security software options like ZoneAlarm
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to configure Norton Internet Security 2003 to minimize alerts
  • Learn about the implications of svchost.exe in network security
  • Explore the installation and configuration of ZoneAlarm as an alternative firewall
  • Investigate how to monitor and analyze network traffic for suspicious activity
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for users experiencing frequent security alerts from Norton Internet Security, IT professionals troubleshooting firewall issues, and anyone concerned about potential unauthorized access to their systems.

enigma
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I've been getting a whole bunch of these alerts, and I'm not sure what they're actually reporting:

A remote system is attempting to access Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services on your computer

Norton is telling me it's low risk, and the default (recommended) action is to permit it. I'm wondering what this is actually reporting, and whether it's safe to check the "always do this" box to let it go.

Every time one of these pops up it dumps me out of whatever program I'm currently running, and sometimes it messes the program up and it needs to be rebooted, so I do need to find some sort of solution.

Any insight, Internet Security Gurus?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
From microsoft.public.windowsxp.general

Q: "My Norton Internet Security has been giving me alerts
several times per day that "a remote system is attempting
to access Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32
Services on (my) computer""

A: "Svchost.exe is a generic host process name for services
that run from dynamic-link libraries, known as DLLs.
This is used for a lot of programs and if you look in your
task manager and see the processes you will notive a few
svchost.exe running. You should allow this although it
could be a virus using it to connect to your computer,
but as long as you have anit-virus software i wouldn'yt
worry."

So basically don't worry about it.
 
Thx, dduardo
 
i have same problem as enigma and trust me dduardo i can't simply "not worry about it"
My internet traffic stops completely and the pop-up in Norton Internet Security 2003 continues to pop-up..concerning the svchost.exe process

Quote:
A remote system is attempting to access Microsoft Generic Host Process for Win32 Services on your computer

No e-mail, no browsing, no nothing...whether I permit or block doesn't make a difference...only way is to right click on NIS icon in taskbar and click disable...then internet traffic resumes...any ideas
 
I get the same messages. When I check the location of the sites that are attempting to contact my computer, they always end up being in China. This concerns me. Why would some site/server/whatever in China be trying to access my PC? For what end?
 

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