posted on August 29, 2008 02:42:31 PM new
I have used a firewall/virus protection from TruPrevent technology (Panda) for the past three years. It has gotten so big and intrusive that it slows everything down.
Do you think a firewall is needed if you are behind a router, enable windows firewall and run good antivirus and antitrojan programs?
Beth
posted on August 29, 2008 03:07:18 PM new
no, I don't think you need a firewall from your virus program as long as you have your router firewall turned on. you also have the firewall on your computer turned on so I feel you have enough protection.
I also use the above and it works out real good for many years. I am on a cable line i'm not wireless but when your wireless there are other steps to take
So do you have a cable hookup or are you wireless? If your wireless let me know and there is more I will tell you to secure your wireless network.
Ive personally had issues with Panda running really slow before as well, and ended up ditching it once my subscription expired. (although this was for their anti virus program and not specifically their firewall app)
If your running the router firewall and your windows firewall, its probably overkill anyway.
Regards,
Chris
[ edited by ChristopherCS on Aug 29, 2008 03:59 PM ]
posted on August 29, 2008 04:19:23 PM new
So your connection is wireless.
The data sent to and from computers and devices on your network most likely can be encrypted, which involves scrambling it into a secret code.
Your wireless router likely came with a feature that can encrypt communications, but you have to turn it on.
The most advanced encryption is WPA2 and is available on many routers. Both WPA2 and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected access) offer strong security.
Older routers may use only WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), which can easily be cracked. Still, setting that to the highest security level is better than nothing. If properly configured, the router can screen out a lot of threats all by itself.
Check the directions that came with your router to turn on encryption. Your router, computer and other devices on the network must all use the same encrytion settings.
The manufacturer of your router likely assigned it a standard default network name, or identifier, such as "linksys," and a standard password, such as "admin," to allow you to set up and operate your router online. Hackers are familiar with these default identifiers and passwords, so when they spot a network using them they know it is likely to be vulnerable.
Change these settings immediately, configuring the computer and router with the same unique name. Furthermore, some routers allow you to turn off the feature that broadcasts the existence of the signal. If you are only using the network for home use and you know its name, you can disable this feature called identifier broadcasting.
And always turn your network off when your not working, hackers can't access the network when it's shut down.
