Safe from Hackers?

[floundr4]

Someone told me that if your computer is hooked to a router that you can't be seen by hackers or someone trying to get in. We have two computers at home and use a router to connect to the internet. He said we don't need a firewall. Is this true? :confused:

[AnnMarie]

No. I'll transfer your topic to our Networking forum for more information.

[z1p]

Thanks AM... I'll see if I can take it from here ;)


Hi floundr4... The simple answer is, there not a simple answer. Most routers for the home or small office have a built in firewall. How good they configured out of the box varies. If you have not configured the firewall on your router, there is most likely room for improvement. Personally, I run with just the firewall in my router.

How tight you can make the router's firewall depends on what you access the internet for. I don't do any online gaming or IRC, so I lock mine down pretty tight. (I block ALL INCOMING connections, ALL OUTGOING UDP except port 53 (DNS), and I blockports 135-139 & 445 (M$ file sharing) OUTGOING. I've also disabled WAN pings and redirect post 113 (IDENT) on the router. The net affect is I am nearly invisible.

If you want help going through your firewall settings post back and let us know what router you are using.

[tamersabry]

no it is not true even if you have a router to connect to the internet (dsl modem )it is not the safty way to avoied hackers

[Murray S.]

no it is not true even if you have a router to connect to the internet (dsl modem )it is not the safty way to avoied hackers

Tamersabry:

A DSL modem is NOT a router.. Two entirely different pieces of equipment..

floundr4:

Go with z1p's explanation .. it is bang on!! :thumbsup:

Murray