Go on the Internet without a router?

[JerryM]

I have been involved in a discussion regarding security of going on the internet when away from home. That limits the amount of trouble that I am willing to go to.
One poster stated he would not go on the internet without a router. It seems that there are those who have programs that search for those on the internet, and will get passwords, etc.

It seems to me that the anti-malware programs that we normally use here, and a good firewall should provide adequate protection. I do not want to or plan to get a portable router to carry along.

I fail to see that surfing away from home is less secure than at home without a router.

How many here would not go on the internet unless you would be behind a router? When travelling I would either be wireless or dial up.

I seems to me that we can get so "worried" about security that it is not worth the effort to do all one can imagine to remain safe.

I would appreciate any comments regarding this security issue.

Thanks,
Jerry

[sosaiso]

Most wireless may even have routers?

I only surf at known places like my university. And I know exactly what kind of security measures they are packing. Although, software firewall is adequate protection IMHO. Routers though add a nice protection layer to keep your computer from being exposed directly to the WWW.

[Carver]

I've never had a router, if I did I would still insist on a software firewall for its outbound protection.

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> I have been involved in a discussion regarding security of going on the internet when away from home. That limits the amount of trouble that I am willing to go to.
One poster stated he would not go on the internet without a router. It seems that there are those who have programs that search for those on the internet, and will get passwords, etc.

It seems to me that the anti-malware programs that we normally use here, and a good firewall should provide adequate protection. I do not want to or plan to get a portable router to carry along. <-QUOTE}I'd agree. The basic functionality of a router and a software firewall overlap, the major advantage of a router being that the computing overhead is shifted off the PC and that misconfiguration is less likely.
{QUOTE-> I fail to see that surfing away from home is less secure than at home without a router. <-QUOTE}It's not.
{QUOTE-> How many here would not go on the internet unless you would be behind a router? <-QUOTE}Having either a router or a software firewall is prudent.
{QUOTE-> When travelling I would either be wireless or dial up. <-QUOTE}The key question is whether you get a routable IP or if you are on a local router and don't quite realize it.
{QUOTE-> I seems to me that we can get so "worried" about security that it is not worth the effort to do all one can imagine to remain safe. <-QUOTE}This is always the issue in risk management, regardless of situation. You name the risky activity, and the same discuss applies.

Blue

[Mrkvonic]

Hi,
Don't let paranoids eat you.
Surfing from x spot is no different from y spot. All that matters is what you do. Get a software firewall and you'll be fine. I never used commercial routers. I can build my own for 0 money.
Stick into your arsenal a decent av, anti-this-and-that, and of course a non-IE browser, and you'll be fine.
Mrk

[JerryM]

Thanks for the replies. I realize that there is always some degree of probability that someone can hack a system. However, I know that my chances of being killed might be reduced by wearing a protective vest, but I am not going to that trouble unlesss that is my job.

I guess it is making an assessment of risks, and how much security you are willing to use. Sometimes I think I may be paranoid until another one pops up.

I am going to depend on BD9, Ewido +, LnS firewall, Spysweeper, Snoopfree, UnHackMe, and a lot of antispyware stuff. And I also use FF and Opera. I never use IE unless the site won't accept anything else.

Thanks, again. I appreciate the help.

Jerry