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Firewall question

jpetermann

jpetermann

Diamond Member
I have a Linksys router. I called earthlink and the guy told me I did not need a software firewall because the Linksys had a built in firewall that would be fine. Is that true? And is it enough if it is true?
 
In general, security issues involve:

1. Unauthorized Internet traffic coming in (from the Internet to your computer).
2. Unauthorized Information going out (from your Hard Drive to some one else Web Server).

The latter is done mainly by programs that are ?calling home?. Unfortunately, the amount of programs that are calling home is growing by the day.

The Router?s firewall secures mainly the Incoming traffic, to secure the Outgoing aspect you need to add Software firewall.

Thus, many Router owners use the combination of Hardware, Software Firewall.

Popular software Firewall package is ZoneAlarm (free).

ZoneAlarm Download

You can check your system's security here, log to the following page, scroll down, and click on Shields Up.

Gibson Default Page.

 
I would also add a software firewall. ZoneAlarm in particular asks for your conformation any time a program tries to acces the Internet. You can either deny access, grant it on per use basis, or give it permanent access. This way, you are notified if any rogue programs try to access the Internet without your knowledge.
 
Port Status Descriptions:

Stealth!

Unable to connect with NetBIOS to your computer.
All attempts to get any information from your computer have FAILED. (This is very uncommon for a Windows networking-based PC.) Relative to vulnerabilities from Windows networking, this computer appears to be VERY SECURE since it is NOT exposing ANY of its internal NetBIOS networking protocol over the Internet.


Sweet!
 

You don't need a firewall if the router let you close all ports accept for the few ports that you needed.....such as, mail, web, ftp, maybe telnet, games & music ports.
 
It's sad to say it but if you run Windows you need to protect yourself from the programs on your PC just as much as the script kiddies on the Internet.
 



<< It's sad to say it but if you run Windows you need to protect yourself from the programs on your PC just as much as the script kiddies on the Internet. >>


Agreed, but most user don't know how or don't read the firewall logs everyday to find out if they are being attack or is broadcasting due to a malfunction device/software/trojan.
The only time it is worth while for the user to have a firewall if they do their home work very day & learn to understand the log out put.
 


<<

<< It's sad to say it but if you run Windows you need to protect yourself from the programs on your PC just as much as the script kiddies on the Internet. >>

Agreed, but most user don't know how or don't read the firewall logs everyday to find out if they are being attack or is broadcasting due to a malfunction device/software/trojan. The only time it is worth while for the user to have a firewall if they do their home work very day & learn to understand the log out put. >>



We cant get that out of many admins how are we going to expect some hick sitting behind his computer looking for bearpr0n and drinking nasty light to do it.

Anyhow, firewalls are like sluts, 2 can be better than 1 🙂
 
JackMDS

You might want to fix your link to GRC. Since you used the IP agent to get there it?s not displaying the correct IP address of the PC using the link.
 
I am not using the IP Agent, I tried different ways to get a clean Link, but I did not succeed, it seems that at the moment that you log to the page it assigns a specific number.

It can be dealt with by logging to the general page, scroll down, and click on Shields Up.

Gibson Default Page.

 


<< Forums are great learning platform.
Always think about the hundreds that read the thread but don?t post. >>



JackMDS I just wanted to point out that part of your sig and say that I think it kicks butt. The few people that actually search old threads can learn a lot from them if people post solutions when they are found. 🙂
 
JackMDS

I just wanted point out the problem with the link in your original post because if you click it seems to be posting your IP address, (24.29.1xx.xxx) and I didn?t think you would want a lot of people running a scan on your PC.
 
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