Bandwidth limit for hacker prevention

In summary, the 'tc' Linux terminal command can be used to limit download and upload speeds of an internet connection. This can be helpful in preventing hackers from accessing real-time data from a computer's microphone and webcam. However, this may not be effective against serious criminals who are more interested in obtaining credit card data and passwords. It may be more useful to store sensitive information in a password manager software like Keypass.
  • #1
hilbert2
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TL;DR Summary
About limiting the net download and upload speeds in a Linux system to prevent fast download of data from your computer by hackers.
A few days ago, I noticed that there is a Linux terminal command 'tc', which can be used for limiting the download and especially upload speeds of your internet connection. When I write

Code: 
sudo tc qdisc add dev eth0 root tbf rate 100kbit latency 10ms burst 1540

in the terminal, the download speed remains good enough for browsing websites, but the upload speed gets really slow, like an early 1990s modem connection. The 'eth0' in that command is the name of the connection. As far as I know, this is used by server administrators for limiting the bandwidth consumed by a single user. However, shouldn't this also prevent a hacker getting real time data from your computer's microphone and webcam in the case they get around your firewall? The upload speed after applying that setting should be way too slow for that. I can't find any information about anyone using this for that purpose, but it should be difficult to circumvent if the intruder doesn't know what's causing the slow connection.

It should be easy to make a Java GUI application where you can select the percentages to which you want to drop the download and upload speeds from the original values. Then it could do several connection speed tests with different values of 'rate', 'latency' and 'burst' parameters and find the correct ones to get the data transfer rates to what you're after.

The tc command is also introduced in this wiki page:

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/advanced_traffic_control
 
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  • #2
Microphone & Video in real time is more of a "for a laugh" hack than anything else. Serious criminals won't be interested in that, they want things like credit card data / security keys / password data...the type of stuff which can have a real impact on your "real" life and this type of data is tiny so limiting your bandwidth won't help with that.
 
  • #3
MikeeMiracle said:
Microphone & Video in real time is more of a "for a laugh" hack than anything else. Serious criminals won't be interested in that, they want things like credit card data / security keys / password data...the type of stuff which can have a real impact on your "real" life and this type of data is tiny so limiting your bandwidth won't help with that.

Yeah, I thought so, as well. That made me think of a way to process files in a way opposite to a ZIP or RAR compression, adding a lot of "filler" data that all has to be read before the actual useful content can be extracted from it. If the credit card data and similar were kept in that kind of files, then limiting the upload speed would protect them. However, I think a hacker would be more likely to record the keystrokes you make on your computer and try to find passwords and credit card numbers from that data.

Politicians and celebrities would possibly be more concerned about someone recording their conversations through the microphone of a hacked laptop or phone.
 
  • #4
If you need to keep important stuff like credit card data on your computer then consider storing it in Password Manager software like Keypass.
 

What is bandwidth limit for hacker prevention?

Bandwidth limit for hacker prevention refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transferred between a website and its users. It is used as a security measure to prevent hackers from overwhelming a website with excessive traffic, which can lead to server crashes or other types of cyber attacks.

How does bandwidth limit help prevent hacking?

A bandwidth limit helps prevent hacking by limiting the amount of data that can be transferred between a website and its users. This prevents hackers from sending large amounts of data to a website, which can overload the server and cause it to crash. By setting a bandwidth limit, websites can ensure that only legitimate traffic is allowed, making it more difficult for hackers to infiltrate the site.

What is the ideal bandwidth limit for hacker prevention?

The ideal bandwidth limit for hacker prevention varies depending on the size and traffic of a website. Generally, a bandwidth limit of 1-2 GB per month is considered adequate for small websites, while larger websites may require higher limits. It is important for websites to regularly monitor their traffic and adjust the bandwidth limit accordingly to ensure effective hacker prevention.

Can a bandwidth limit affect website performance?

Yes, a bandwidth limit can affect website performance if it is set too low. If a website regularly receives a high volume of traffic and the bandwidth limit is set too low, it can slow down the website's loading speed and potentially cause it to crash. It is important to strike a balance between setting a high enough bandwidth limit for hacker prevention and maintaining good website performance.

Are there any alternative methods for hacker prevention besides bandwidth limit?

Yes, there are other methods for hacker prevention besides bandwidth limit. Some examples include implementing firewall protection, using intrusion detection systems, regularly updating software and systems, and conducting security audits. It is recommended to use a combination of different methods for a more comprehensive approach to hacker prevention.

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