Hi i want to block several sites i asking if blocking sites via host is the same thing to block via router ? i mean adding the site is blocked router list is blocked for every applications ,isn't ? adding sites in the router block site should be more secure , the host file could be changed by malware what do you think about it ? thanks
hi thanks i know about router firmware is vulnerable but is the same bloking sites in the host files and router block list ? thanks
Yes, it can be done on the DNS level as well. Particularly, I have had a great setup with OpenWrt on several of my routers for a few years now and it works wonders.
hi sadly i have not openwrt installed , i have the last version of the netgear firmware so i could be safe , additing links thanks
hi i used the host files to block many sites , just wonder if the router block site work exatly like additing webpage in the host file
The router will be more secure as long as the router is secure. It also works for all the computers connected to the router so you don't have install hosts files in multiple computers. I can put a much bigger list in a hosts file however and putting the domains in the router is a bit more work so I would only put the worst offenders in the router. A lot depends on the router and the firmware.
hi i tried to block a site , but i can ping it why ? is the host file the only way to block a site ? thanks
I've tried blocking facebook.com and facebook.net in my Netgear router but it didn't really help. I blocked them (+ others) with OpenDNS and that did work, FYI.
Neither is mine. You would need an account with OpenDNS, which is free, then you would need to install OpenDNS Dynamic IP updater client. Once you have your account you can go in to your settings and select whatever categories you want blocked and / or add the domains you want blocked. It's not terribly complicated really.