Thanks. I'm sure the thread will help many. Very easy to get lost in discussions otherwise which are great but detract from the essential parts of "how to".
It’s another app on my server connected to the internet. I believe you in its intention. But no trusty.
Just block it at your firewall. That's what firewalls are there for. Just to get the information out there for all readers, past, present and future:
This is my Samsung TV. but only because I don't have my BI server running curently. The item is irrelevent It could easily be a BI PC.
Routers vary, but in my Asus it's a simple as 1 click. In others you may have to block the IP but it's not hard. At the worst if you can do none of those you could alter the sub net mask of the BI PC Network adapter to a sub net the router can't talk to as per the instructions for isolating cameras with a 2nd NIC card (located in the help section of this forum). Ultimate and the same as altering the network mask, is don't plug it into the network and have it standalone.
However, for most, it can be easily done in router.
All I've done here is in the network map view (LHS), clicked on the item BI Server (- here I'm using a Samsung TV standing in for it as it's not connected) located in the list to the right h/s, and I get the pop up box seen in the centre. From here in Asus it's a simple as clicking the "block internet access" button.
As for receiving alerts without, beyond my knowledge, but you probably need to set up some kind of sms texting system but then you're giving that access as it will probably need to send sms over the internet unless you happen to have your own SMS station hardware! Can you trust a random downloaded sms messaging app more than BI with internet access? BI is a reputable business.
For most, a VPN is just fine. If my bank uses a VPN, I'm sure I can trust them.
Mine is double protected for the really paranoid as my router is a router not router modem so I'm also stood behind a modem firewall as well. I did it because I needed a modem simply to connect, not for additional firewall, but it's there as a consequence albeit the other firewall isn't the one you're going to block through as the only itme it sees is the router. It does give extra antihack protection though through being layered. If anyone hacks me though they will be disappointed. No financials kept on pc and no state secrets. A few scenic photos and some internet discussion bookmarks. If China ever wants a few pics of the countryside, they only need to ask!
