Security 4 Me

[Fofo]

I'm not too experienced with security as I would like to be, but if I am behind a router, and I have the XP firewall enabled, and Norton Antivirus 2003. CanI still get the Sasser Worm? Also do I need the XP firewall enabled even behind a router, it already has a built in firewall?

Thanks.

[omalleytrading]

Fofo -- you're in pretty good shape, but there is one item you've missed:

Make sure you are up to date with all of the security patches from Microsoft. Run Windows Update and install all of the patches available. Then you should be okay.

If you're really serious about security, you should probably use another firewall instead of the one that comes with XP. It's pretty weak. Better than nothing, but weak. Try something like ZoneAlarm.

[Fofo]

I have done the Windows update and am up to date with that already. But wouldn't the Router suffice over the XP firewall?

[omalleytrading]

Not really. Most routers use NAT, not an actually firewall. That means they will prevent incoming traffic, but not anything outgoing. If you've got a worm, virus or trojan on your PC, your router will not prevent it from sending out information to the web. A firewall will.

[Fofo]

On my router box it said built in firewall. Does that apply to NAT, or is it an actual firewall?

[Rdaws]

They caught the guy who made the Sasser Worm..well he turned himself in.

[GroundZero3]

fofo NAT routers are a firewall but just a simple firewall at that for a home network

here is more information

http://searchwebservices.techtarget....214107,00.html

[DanGrease]

Why don't you use the free version of Zone Alarm instead of XP's integrated firewall?
It's much better, and since it's freeware you don't have to spend a thing.

dan

[GroundZero3]

if you go that route i suggest sysgate. ZA can be a pain

[DanGrease]

Well, I use Zone Alarm together with my router.
Works problem free, no complications what so ever.
~ D-Link DI-604

dan