Router Firewall

[Sab]

I normally use Linux for the internet and Windows for media etc. I find that I can access sites much quicker with Linux than with Windows 98.

My router is configured as follows:
Security - enabled, Firewall - disabled, Intrusion detection - disabled. I have Zonealarm and AVG for windows when I use the internet on that system.

I spoke to the tech. dept. of my router supplier and he said that this system was adequate for security. He also mentioned that if the router is fully setup for security, then I don't need Zonealarm.

What I would like to do is set up the router to deal with all the security etc. but I am not sure what is 'excess baggage' and what isn't.

Some advice would be appreciated.

Sab

 

[guiri]

Sab

The problem with relying solely on your router for security is that it is unlikely to stop trojans on your PC (eg. software connecting to the internet without you knowing). AVG can detect trojans trying to install, and zonealarm protects your computer from inside-out as well as outside-in.

The router can block access to certain ports, but trojans arrive via normal HTTP (eg. port 80) when web browsing (with Windows vulnerabilities) and will use the same protocol sometimes to do their deeds.

I'd be inclined to stick with what you have, and if performance is an issue then look at the options for some hardware upgrade?

Regards

 

[Sab]

quiri

Sorry I haven't replied before now but I've been away until yesterday.

Thanks for the advice.

Sab

 

[PoloMint]

I would agree, always run a software firewall as well as any hardware one, as guiri says it stops things (trojans etc) from getting out of your system if they manage to get in. Also I find being able to see exactly which programs are trying to go online, and being able to stop them, incredibly useful.

Software firewalls are also much more accessible than hardware ones, a couple of mouse clicks and all settings, IP access logs and so on are available. people can find getting into their hardware firewall challenging enough, let alone changing things.

As for overheads I notice no difference in performance with ZoneAlarm running or not, undoubtably it does actually takes system resources and slows network traffic to some degree, but I would say it is definitely worth it.

Just been looking at my logs, I’ve had just over 29000 access attempts (of which 1036 are high rated) since February this year, if anyone doesn’t have a firewall I would highly recommend they get one.

 

[kalamar]

My only complaint with Zonealarm is the slow boot up of the computer. I use it and also a Belkin wireless router with firewall.I have not had any problems with this setup.You want to keep trojans OUT of your computer,most sneak in with downloaded programs and a good scanner like "luke File Walker" AVG is a good start.Many free virus and trojan scanners out there,download and use them all.