I have a router, do I need a firewall?

Dark_Angel · 19 Apr 2006 at 17:33

At the moment I am running a Netgear router, along with Sygate Personal Firewall, but now they have been taken over by the evil of norton, I am considering just ditching the firewall all together. My only concern is that I kind of like the firewall, because it stops programs accessing the internet without permission (great if a worm happens to get past my AVG).

So basically, am I being far to paranoid here? or should I just ditch Sygate now its not going to be updated any longer, and grab Zone Alarm free?

Burbleflop · 19 Apr 2006 at 18:34

Dark_Angel said:
My only concern is that I kind of like the firewall, because it stops programs accessing the internet without permission (great if a worm happens to get past my AVG).

That's the exact same reason I keep Zone Alarm on my PC - for outbound program control.

marc2003 · 19 Apr 2006 at 18:50

not for me. i don't have a real time virus scanner either.... :eek:

but then i'm the only person who ever uses my pc and if i download something from a dubious source, i always use an online scanner of some sort.

Spudgun · 19 Apr 2006 at 18:53

i just use the windows XP SP2 firewall with my router as that seems to work just fine

lokkers · 19 Apr 2006 at 20:56

Just a hardware firewall and NOD32 for me (ditched Zonealarm a long time ago)

Sumanji · 19 Apr 2006 at 21:07

lokkers said:
Just a hardware firewall and NOD32 for me (ditched Zonealarm a long time ago)

Exactly the same as what I did

Suman

Jimbo · 19 Apr 2006 at 21:19

I though the Netgear router had a built in firewall? I'm sure mine has - Netgear DG 834G v2.

siclilmonkey · 20 Apr 2006 at 00:05

hardware firewall and windows firewall and nod32

Energize · 20 Apr 2006 at 00:17

Your router probably already has one built in, both netgear routers Ive used have had one.

Uhtred · 20 Apr 2006 at 00:19

nod32 and router nat.

There is no point running sp2 firewall and a router firewall together, they do the same thing

no_1_dave · 20 Apr 2006 at 00:47

Nod32 + Router here too

Topgun · 20 Apr 2006 at 01:16

Zap said:
nod32 and router nat.

There is no point running sp2 firewall and a router firewall together, they do the same thing

Your router can't block outgoing traffic from trojans and spyware should they slip through your AV.

Energize · 20 Apr 2006 at 03:13

Topgun said:
Your router can't block outgoing traffic from trojans and spyware should they slip through your AV.

Yes it can. Any outgoing or incoming port can be disabled.

mike1210 · 20 Apr 2006 at 08:51

Nod 32 and hardware firewall with outgoing ports restricted. Nasties trying to go out on the net should be picked up by anti-virus but limiting ports stops viruses "phoning home" so to speak

Uhtred · 20 Apr 2006 at 09:26

Topgun said:
Your router can't block outgoing traffic from trojans and spyware should they slip through your AV.

neither can sp2 firewall

Dark_Angel · 20 Apr 2006 at 11:00

Well, I am guessing for now I may as well keep the firewall. Its not like its doing any harm apart from taking a few MB of ram. Though I have to admit I am a tad worried at keeping Sygate, especially now its no longer being updated. Anyone think its a good idea to make the switch?

Skilldibop · 20 Apr 2006 at 11:58

Zap said:
neither can sp2 firewall

Yes it can if you have MS antispy, it's real time protection is basically an addon pack for windows firewall that allows you to control applications trying to alter registry values or obtain outgoing connections.
Though in all honesty FireFox means i don't get any nasty spyware anwyay.

Schedule AV updates and scans daily and you should never have a problem. I don't really care if i get "hacked" as i've got bugger all worth stealing and i can fix almost anything they can break.

Most new routers cxan be set to log activity too. if you review these you can see if you need more security or not.