Do I really need a cable modem router for comcast broadband?

[ScottFern]

OK, I am just thinking about this 4 years later. Do I really need a router/firewall for my home setup?

I have an RCA Cable modem and its plugged directly into my computer. I do notice that the activity lights are always flashing, even when I am idle. My main concern is this is extermely vulnerable to virus/worms and such correct?

However, I do not notice any spyware or anything on my machine. I am using the Windows XP built in firewall.

Could someone just give me a summary on the benefits of getting a router/firewall. Could my connection be very slow and hampered by unwanted pings and such from outside sources?

 

[JackMDS]

If you have a single computer you do not need a Router. One good inclusive Firewall can control the ping as well as any thing else (One of the most inclusive one is the Norton Internet Security).

Few additional readings about the issue.

Link: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Internet infestation -Or, how you are getting Internet "Junk" in and compromise your Computer/Network?

Link to: Basic Steps in cleaning Internet "Junk".

:sun:

 

[vailr]

The MS Firewall only protects from incoming data; outgoing data from possible trojans or worms are not detected.
I'd recommend Sygate's firewall, instead of Norton's product. Then, the MS firewall can be safely disabled.
A router with built-in firewall will greatly decrease the number of unwanted incoming port scans.

 

[ScottFern]

I am considering a wired router for my house. I am just concerned about the number of people port scanning, pinging, and attempting to come in. Basically the level of unwanted incoming traffic is high. But in reality I have no way to tell.

 

[JackMDS]

Hmm if you leave your Home and your car unlocked for a while and nothing happened.
Does it means that you can leave them unlock forever???

:sun:

 

[mordantmonkey]

It's worth it to get a router with a firewall built in, since the cost isn't much different. The hardware firewall in the router will almost eliminate the people who are "port scanning and pinging". The harware firewall will block the incoming but a good software firewall will block outgoing from malware and such.
windows firewall is better than nothing, but it doesn't block or monitor outgoing packets. i would suggest you get sygate or zonealarm which are both free. judging by your PC spec's you may have a bit of cash to buy one tho. I would recommend the pro versions of these or Norton if you want. I use sygate and i CAN tell what kind of traffic i'm getting through the traffic and security logs. When i added a router/firewall for my home network the amount of random "port scanning and pinging" i got dropped by about 99%.
edit: i mean it dropped the amount my computer had to handle... it's now handled by my router.

 

[halfadder]

With a router... it's still possible for someone to break in, you'll still get spyware, and you're still vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

But routers are an extra layer of cheap insurance! Spend the $20 - $30 and buy one for the added peace of mind.

If nothing else, a router will severly limit the number of ports that an attacker can see, let alone enter.

 

[classy]

Originally posted by: halfadder
With a router... it's still possible for someone to break in, you'll still get spyware, and you're still vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks.

But routers are an extra layer of cheap insurance! Spend the $20 - $30 and buy one for the added peace of mind.

If nothing else, a router will severly limit the number of ports that an attacker can see, let alone enter.

If you have broadband that's on 100% of the time, YOU SHOULD NEVER EVER DIRECTLY CONNECT YOUR PC. A cheap router will give NAT at the very least and allow better protection than a firewall that is on your pc directly connected to the internet, unless your talking about something like ISA server. If you get a good router with a true firewall with decent packet inspection you should be pretty secure. Most of the newer routers have pretty secure setups right out of the box. Man in the middle attacks are pretty sophiscated but you can help your self quite a bit by making sure you have publisher's and server certificate revocation turned on in your browser properties. As well as invalid site certificates, warn if changing between secure and not secure mode, and warn if forms submittal is being redirected. Some of them are turned on by default but some are not. You'll never be able to stop all spyware unless you never visit the internet, but AD Aware and spybot search and destroy are two free programs that help a lot. But to make a long story short, it is very well worth the few bucks to get a router.