Pending: Firewalls and Routers.

Thingamajig · 04-03-2007

Hey all.

Ive had a wireless router for a while now, a BT Voyager 2091 "unlocked" Router (unlocked basically means i dont need to have BT as my ISP, will use with any broadband provider) i was told that i dont need to use a firewall while i have this (besides the standard vista firewall) as routers have firewalls "coded" into them, is this right?, i dont really understand this as dont firewalls need to update?.....i'd appreciate some advice.

Sven · 04-03-2007

You have to appreciate the only "ports" open on a router are (probably)

80 - web
21 - ftp
23 - telnet

So lets say your pc has many ports opened by various pieces of software etc. An attacker cannot get to any ports on your pc unless you configure your router to forward those ports/information on.

If you're in a home/very small workplace environment then the answer to your question is yes - you're fine.

As long as you've changed the default password on your router. And don't use the "DMZ" feature I'd argue you're fine with regards to data coming IN. The vista firewall should (although I don't have direct experience)handle most outgoing nasties from your pc.

etoad · 06-07-2007

As Sven says but I would add the following:

I always recommend to install a software firewall if only so that you know what your PC is trying to do.

Admittedly this isn't for everyone as would all really know how to respond to "XYZ app is trying to talk to port 53 at IP w.x.y.z" as an example. Almost certainly the answer is yes, but not necessarily everytime.

As with everything, it helps to try and learn a bit more about the whole 'thing' but always be prepared to ask when unsure.

04-03-2007	#1
Thingamajig PCHF $ Donor Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 315	Firewalls and Routers. Hey all. Ive had a wireless router for a while now, a BT Voyager 2091 "unlocked" Router (unlocked basically means i dont need to have BT as my ISP, will use with any broadband provider) i was told that i dont need to use a firewall while i have this (besides the standard vista firewall) as routers have firewalls "coded" into them, is this right?, i dont really understand this as dont firewalls need to update?.....i'd appreciate some advice.

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04-03-2007	#2
Sven Bronze Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 39	You have to appreciate the only "ports" open on a router are (probably) 80 - web 21 - ftp 23 - telnet So lets say your pc has many ports opened by various pieces of software etc. An attacker cannot get to any ports on your pc unless you configure your router to forward those ports/information on. If you're in a home/very small workplace environment then the answer to your question is yes - you're fine. As long as you've changed the default password on your router. And don't use the "DMZ" feature I'd argue you're fine with regards to data coming IN. The vista firewall should (although I don't have direct experience)handle most outgoing nasties from your pc.

06-07-2007	#3
etoad Bronze Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 81	As Sven says but I would add the following: I always recommend to install a software firewall if only so that you know what your PC is trying to do. Admittedly this isn't for everyone as would all really know how to respond to "XYZ app is trying to talk to port 53 at IP w.x.y.z" as an example. Almost certainly the answer is yes, but not necessarily everytime. As with everything, it helps to try and learn a bit more about the whole 'thing' but always be prepared to ask when unsure.