So, iptables...

[BigglesPiP]

Now I'm running on external IP's without a hardware firewall, I need to get my software firewalls up to scratch.

Windows machine is sorted, now on to Debian.

I want to do it with iptables, but I don't understand the concepts, I know all about LANs, WANs, Subnets, Broadcast, DMZ... But I'm drawing a blank.

Does anyone know of any plain English, quick reading material out there?

 

[zetec452]

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/IptablesHowTo to get you started.

 

[slylittlefox]

What do you need to do? IPTABLES are (relatively) pretty easy, the man page should give you enough to get started.

How secure do you want to be? For ultra secure (read: unusable/pita), start with drop all INCOMING/OUTGOING/FORWARD and then build up from there, though it may take you a long while depending on what the machine is used for

Alternatively, for a 'pretty secure' method, drop all incoming and allow through what you need.

If you give a specific example of how you want to use it I can give specific answers

 

[Bob Wya Jnr]

The guide I used to use as a bible (when playing around with Iptables a couple of years ago) was:
Linux Advanced Routing & Traffic Control
I was using them for traffic shaping. Using Iptables to firewall a box or a whole LAN is a lot easier - believe me!!

There are firewall applications out there that use Iptables if you want to make life a bit easier for yourself...

Post any queries on this thread and I'll try to help (but I will be a bit rusty!!)

Bob