Connecting A Windows Machine to a Remote OS X Lion File Server

Question

Hi All,
Can anyone tell me how to connect a Windows 7 machine to my remote OS X Lion File Server? On my macs, it is simple, I go to finder, choose Go -->Connect to Server, and enter my IP address. I can't seem to figure out how to do this on a windows system.
Thanks!
Gabriel

Answer 1

are you saying that even when I have a folder that is configured to only allow access to designated users, it is still vulnerable over the internet to others (strangers)?
Yes, Absolutely.
I understand that VPNs provide the most secure transmission of data, but wouldn't someone on the internet need a username and password to access a file on the server?
Yes, you'd need a username and password to gain access - as long as you've configured the access controls accordingly. But you have to understand that's not enough.
Do you trust that EVERY account on your server has a STRONG password? It only takes one weak password to compromise the entire system.
Are you sure your passwords are not vulnerable to brute force attacks? Hint: they pretty much all are!
Are you watching your logs to detect failed logins (which might indicate a hacker trying to guess a password)?
Are you prepared to deal with, potentially, thousands, or even millions of hits a day to your server, from people 'knocking on the door'?
Finally, and here's the kicker - the default Windows sharing protocols are not encrypted. So even if you do check all the above points, your data is still flowing unencrypted over the internet. This allows anyone in the right place to just sniff the traffic off the wire, including the login credentials (there goes the need for a brute-force attack) and the actual data transferred.
The mere fact that you advertise yourself as running a Windows sharepoint on the internet makes you a target. It doesn't even matter if you have nothing of value to hide/protect, someone's going to see the sharepoint and is going to be curious as to what's behind it. Protect yourself, your company, and your clients by not even letting them know you're holding any cards, let alone showing your hand.