How good is the Firewall on my Linksys Router

[MorbidDog]

Since I have to disable my Firewall on XP to run a network I wanted to know how good is the firewall on the Linksys Router. Do I need to by a firewall software or am I good to go.

Thanks,
M

 

[JackMDS]

Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

The following is not an inclusive solution for protecting all Internet connection installation, but rather an attempt to help Home and SOHO users to be reasonable safe in their Internet endeavors.

It depends what you have on your computer, if you have something that is very desirable, and a "real pro" wants it, no matter what you do they probably will find the way in.

In general, security issues at home and small office installations involves:

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), AKA software calling home.

3. Accidental leakage. Firewall left disable, computer left in DMZ etc.

Unauthorized Information going out is mainly a function of "spyware" and programs that are "calling home". Unfortunately, the amount of programs that are calling home is growing by the day.

The Hardware Firewall provided by most Cable/DSL Routers, is an excellent tool. However, it mainly secures the Incoming traffic, to secure the Outgoing aspect you need to add Software firewall.

Win XP includes internal Firewall AKA ICF; this firewall is similar to the Router?s hardware firewalls in the way that it is only blocking incoming information.


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

A popular software firewall is Zone Alarm (Basic version free).

ZoneAlarm Download.

Norton Internet security provides very good live control on info going out (Not free).

Norton Personal Firewall 2002.

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

Gibson Default Page.

You can clean you system from most spyware components by using this free software.

Lavasoft Ad-aware

Be warned, most of spyware components are installed by ADware. I.e. "free" software that installs means to track your Internet activities, and feed you with advertisements. When you clean your system from spyware components the correspondent spyware program probably will stop functioning, it is your call whether to use such software, or get rid of it.

BTW: Many ADware programs leave their spyware components even after performing Uninstall, it is a good practice to often scan you system with Lavasoft Ad-ware.

 

[MorbidDog]

Again I say you rock. Thanks for the help.