Is a firewall needed for Home pc with AV running?

Discussion in 'other firewalls' started by eurekamind, Feb 27, 2006.

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  1. eurekamind

    eurekamind Registered Member

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    I want to know that do firewall needed or necessary for home pc, in which good Anti-Virus program is running, with internet connectivity?
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2006
  2. Slovak

    Slovak Registered Member

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    Re: Do firewall needed for Home pc with AV running?

    Yes, it is necessary to keep your computer as safe as possible.
     
  3. sweater

    sweater Registered Member

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    Re: Do firewall needed for Home pc with AV running?

    Firewall is one of the necessities must haves if we connect to the internet coz it's like something that we were entering into an unknown wild forests or big cities wherein we have to wear a protective gears to protect us from "possible attacks". :cautious: :blink:

    Windows built-in firewall is very good for its Inbound attack protections but if you need some more "sophisticated type" with Outbound appication controls then there are many out there... some are free and some are paid. ;)

    For more added layer of protections...download and use Windows Worm Doors Cleaner (WWDC) by gkweb. It can add some more protections just in case the firewall was disabled by worms, malwares etc.
     
  4. eurekamind

    eurekamind Registered Member

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    minimum no. of security softwares needed for average home pc users?

    really... that sounds good in any case.

    Keeping in mind-"as safe as possible" let me ask the question in other way...

    The list of Security programs like Anti-viruses, firewalls, registry guards, spywares...etc. may go a long. Peoples are using different combinations and the choices are numerous. No one could go for all.

    I am looking for some standard combination of security softwares for average home pc users.

    So specifically, what are the minimum no. of security software programs (u can say..standard combination) that can give 99.99% protection to any home PC with internet connectivity?
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2006
  5. sweater

    sweater Registered Member

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    Re: minimum no. of security softwares needed for average home pc users?

    You can check lots of "experts posts" here in this forum...;) just browse thoroughly and see the different threads in different pages there are lots of suggestions and advices already being posted. ;)

    Me, I uses Avast Home Antivirus, AnalogX Script Defender, Windows XP firewall, SpywareGuard, ProcessGuard, and WinPatrol to protect my system in real-time. :cool: and also SpywareBlaster, WWDC, SafeXP, HardenIT, Ewido, Spybot, Ad-Aware SE, and BitDefender 8 for backup virus scanner. :D
     
  6. trickyricky

    trickyricky Registered Member

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    Re: Do firewall needed for Home pc with AV running?

    That's impossible to answer. For example, take a look at the topic https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=111264
    to see how many different opinions there are on this very subject.

    Bear in mind that 99.99% protection is virtually impossible, so all you can do is minimise the risks and put safeguards in place depending on your internet usage profile. For example, do you browse high risk sites such as porn and gambling? Do you search for and install loads of software? Do you use a P2P file-sharing service at all? If the answer to all of those is no, then you're a "low risk" surfer and a little protection will keep you safe. If you answered yes to all three, then even with 50 security apps installed, you'd run the risk on getting trojans and other malware on your PC.

    Therefore, if you're a low risk internet user who doesn't share your PC with anyone else and uses common sense when online, I would suggest a bare minimum of an antivirus and a firewall (the built-in Windows one is fine if you're running XP). Also ensure that you keep Windows completely up to date, use Firefox or Opera instead of IE for added security and try not to use Outlook or Outlook Express for your email for even better safety - use Thunderbird or The Bat instead. Anything else will be an additional safeguard, but other than that you should be fine. If, however, you're a high risk user, or you share your PC with one, then no amount of security will prevent the inevitable 99.99%, so the more security you can tolerate, the less likely your system will be attacked and compromised.

    Remember, you're not just safeguarding yourself from "script kiddies" out for fun these days, you're up against major organised crime circles who will do everything possible to get your data, your PC, your identity and more.
     
  7. BlueZannetti

    BlueZannetti Registered Member

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    Re: minimum no. of security softwares needed for average home pc users?

    The minimum number is one via some of the current suite packages available (Kaspersky Internet Security, Symantec, McAfee, Online Armor once the AV/firewall components are implemented) although I'd probably opt to have one level of backup myself, making that two. Don't look at how many applications, look at what they do, is there a need for that functionality, what's the degree of overlap, and do they play together well.

    The decision tree I tend to follow is described here and here. Some of the information in those posts is a little dated in that with some of the newer suites (Kaspersky Internet Security 2006 specifically comes to mind - it's on the verge of being released) cover most of the areas I look at, augment KIS with something like BOClean or Ewido, and you have good primary coverage with good backup. There are other approaches that are equally viable, my own captures one of many. Is it 99.99% effective? So far, for me, I've had no issues...

    Blue
     
  8. eurekamind

    eurekamind Registered Member

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    Re: Do firewall needed for Home pc with AV running?

    thanks tricky for the link.

    I really wanted to know that what combination other peoples are using for the protection of their own pc.

    but the information which is missing in that link is...for how long they r using it without any threat or infection?

    In that way we can somehow figure out which combination seems better.
     
  9. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    Hello,
    Without sounding arrogant or anything:
    I use lots of p2p (almost 24/7), I visit lots of porn sites, I game a lot, plus I test software (but that's beside the point), and have never felt threatened by the internet (we have an understanding). You can achieve this with some smart effort without wasting too much cpu or money.

    Alternative browser - reduces 99% of threats instantly. Use Firefox or Opera. I would suggest Firefox, but that's a personal preference. Firefox is highly customizable with extensions, which allow you to boost your security significantly. Running extensions like Adblock will filter ads, Noscript allows you to allow java / javascript and/or other plugins per site basis - meaning you can run plainest purest html for rogue sites and all the available cosmetics for trusted sites. Additionally, you can use Flashblock, Block Cookies, Spoofstick, Referer, CustomizeGoogle and other extensions, all aimed at privacy and security. They will run within Firefox, without any extra weight.

    Alternative mail client - again, replace Outlook (express) with Thunderbird, and you will gain extra security.

    Firewall + AV (whatever you like).

    Firewall is nice, because it will give you peace and quiet.

    This is enough, but bear in mind the following:

    IF you run as Administrator (assuming you do), you can use DropMyRights program that reduces privileges of programs assigned to it, making them virtually limited (within Admin envirnonment). You can further secure your browsers, IM programs and such using DropMyRights.

    Updates are a must, especially for Windows, IM, media, players, codecs, etc. These are the gateway to hell.

    Do not allow java and javascript globablly when you surf, do not allow cookies / flash cookies - again, the simplest way is via Firefox + extensions.

    If you have 2 or more computers, connect them using Internet Connection Sharing. This will turn your gateway machine into a sort of router, giving you an extra layer of firewalling.

    The above sounds spartan / daring / foolish, but it is not, really. The above setup will keep you safe from extranl threats. This will not protect you against programs you download and execute on your machine.

    If you are the type of people who like to click a lot then:

    You might need a powerful real-time anti-virus and anti-trojan, for instance nod32 + ewido or kaspersky + boclean, unless you prefer freebies, plus maybe another anti-virus and anti-trojan on demand.

    In this role, without exhausting your resources permanently, but only when you scan, you can use clamwin and bitdefender anti-virii and a2 anti-trojan. Likewise, you may use a variety of online scanners (can also be downloaded if you don't like activex), or even Dr.Web Firefox extension (but this only while you surf).

    SnoopFree is a very light anti-keylogger and it won't hurt.

    ShadowSurfer is a great virtualization software and is now being offered for free, so you might wanna hurry and grab it while it still lasts. It's great for high-risk surfing and testing.

    Very importantly, make sure you always back your personal data, so you do not fear the notion of formatting. Some people so dread the format they turn their pcs into bunkers.

    But, have a spare hdd, save personal data on monthly basis with increments on dvds + flashdisk (with encryption against loss or theft), make regular images of your partitions if you really feel naughty, and you might not wanna care too much what happens, because you will be able to recover in moments.

    Have BartPE / Ultimate Boot CD for Windows / Linux bootable live CDs, so you can burn your data even if your system is horribly damaged or unbootable.

    A lot of info, I know, but to sum it:

    You can accomplish most of what I said in 3 steps:

    1. Firewall + AV + Firefox with all kinds of stuff (no ads, java, javascript, flash); ICS/NAT is a good option.
    2. DropMyRights / ShadowSurfer
    3. Backups / Using bootable live CDs

    Enjoy.
    Mrk
     
  10. Osaban

    Osaban Registered Member

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    Re: minimum no. of security softwares needed for average home pc users?

    https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=110303

    This poll will tell you what most members consider a minimum in terms of security.

    99.99% protection? They say that 'if something can happen, it will happen'...
     
  11. squash

    squash Registered Member

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    Re: minimum no. of security softwares needed for average home pc users?

    A firewall is the most important security software.
    I can even surf the internet with just a firewall, since I'm not stupid enough to down viruses or spyware. Without a firewall, intruders can come into your copmuter even if you are not stupid enough...
     
  12. WSFuser

    WSFuser Registered Member

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    i can knock ur list down to two:

    1. AV + FW + alternative browser (firefox or opera)
    2. common sense

    :D ;) :cool:

    its what i use at my dads home and i have had no infections (my habits are similar to urs too). my preferred setup is more elaborate but either one suits me fine.
     
  13. Carver

    Carver Registered Member

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    There are many good Freeware Firewalls, the paid offer more features. I started with Zone Alarm free then I went to Zone Alarm Pro and now I am using Outpost pro. I might have not used a firewlll 20 years ago, but today I wouldn't check my email without a firewall. You need A good Anti-Virus too as well as other applications that are recomended in various threads throught Wilders, some are better than others. One product might miss something and another product might detect it, it is better to have a layered approach to computer security. Than relying on one product to catch everything, which is pretty impossible.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2006
  14. eurekamind

    eurekamind Registered Member

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    Thanks! Markvonik for your detailed advice and preferences.

    I hv already shifted from IE to Firefox sometimes ago. Firefox is really cool with a nice GUI...and now I am looking for some extensions to it.

    updates for basic softwares are really necessary and needed as it clears up the loopholes and also provides new features.

    may be i will get some more ideas from other wilders ...

    keep it up wilders!!!
     
  15. Mrkvonic

    Mrkvonic Linux Systems Expert

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    Hello,
    WSFuser, I did not want to stun the man with outragenous minimalism.
    I tried to give him as broad view as possible.
    I do have a setup that runs only fw and firefox, but then... it's not for everyone.
    Mrk
     
  16. WSFuser

    WSFuser Registered Member

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    i understand; i was just making fun that i could shorten the list. like i previously stated i do have more software and i occasionally use true image.
     
  17. Eldar

    Eldar Registered Member

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    From the WXP-Newsletter:
    Why do I need a firewall? Together with antivirus and antispyware, a firewall is a "must" to protect your PC.
    One good example; Unlike the Windows Firewall, a Firewall looks carefully at the data leaving your computer, so that sensitive information like your credit card numbers, email address, phone numbers,
    and social security number do not get stolen by hackers!

    :thumb:
     
  18. Devil's Advocate

    Devil's Advocate Registered Member

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    To sum it up, there are only a few ways that you can get nailed.

    1. When using software to conntect on the net, some bug in the client, leads to something being run that you don't want to.

    For 99% of people this is the browser via ActiveX, Java, whatever. And maybe the email client. People are worrying for instant messenging these days, and P2P but P2P risks are mostly a different risk.

    Prevention:

    a)Tight browser settings, keep up to date with browsers and Java, browser plugins like Shockwave, Flashplayer,

    b)understanding of technology, so you don't click yes to everything.
    Mrkvonic's firefox extensions are probably overkill IMHO, but one or two won't hurt.

    2. By downloading and installing dubious software

    Prevention:

    a)Careful research of software on the net, download only from the main source, use only well known software.

    b)Online scans with multiple engines,

    c)Backups/sandboxing to mitigate any possible damage.


    3. Being 'hacked' remotely.

    Prevented

    a) Basically, keep up with windows patches,

    b) disable unwanted services (hardening... ) if necessary

    c) Get a cheap router.
     
  19. herbalist

    herbalist Guest

    In this respect, a good firewall also detects a lot of adware and many trojans. A typical adware program functions by connecting out to an adserver and downloading the material it indends to put in front of you. The firewall will detect the outgoing connections and either ask you or block them outright. The better firewalls will identify the file involved and the IP address it wants to contact. The same applies to conventional trojans. The firewall can often give the first warning that one is in your system by catching it's attempts to connect out. These are instances when the Windows firewall is nearly useless as it does nothing with outbound connections.
    Rick
     
  20. Delgado

    Delgado Registered Member

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    Although my knowledge of computers and security is average, in other words I am fairly well up in what they do etc, I have no knowledge of Routers or Hard firewalls.

    Is a Hard Firewall only available to you if you are running a Home Network, or can you get them to use on a single home computer?

    :D :D
     
  21. trickyricky

    trickyricky Registered Member

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    Delgado,

    You can get and use a hardware firewall even if you have a single computer and no network to speak of. I usually advise doing so even for a standalone PC, since it removes you one more step away from the wide-open internet which adds to your protection. The best way would be to get a single modem/router/switch/firewall applicance, with wireless if you have a laptop, then use it inplace of your ADSL or Cable modem. That way you're much safer than having a public IP address and also have the hardware firewall protection in addition.

    I recently set up this very thing last week, where I used a 3-Com Officeconnect device which only cost about £45 (around $65) and it's working really well.
     
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