Is a Hardware Firewall Recommonded?

Hello.

Is it suggested to use a hardware firewall in addition to a software firewall?

I'm using Windows 7 with:

1. BitDefender AntiVirus Plus,
2. Privatefirewall, and
3. Malwarebytes

Thank you again.

 

If you have router or other NAT device you might already use one. I prefer to use hardware firewall in addition to windows built-in.

 

Yes, also if actually intrusion attempts use especially social engineering, trojans, malicious web pages and codes...than direct attacks across internet connection, an hardware firewall it's the first defense against incoming traffic.

 

Thank you both. I'm following up with a related question.

 

I'm a relative neophyte when it comes to personal computers and security products, which is why I ask the following question: where do I get started in choosing a hardware firewall? I'd prefer to spend less than more.

All suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you again.

 

I would choose not too expensive router and connect to internet through it. Where to buy? It depends on where you live. Usually you can check some local store with electronic appliances or buy one online.

 

The cable or DSL modems from your ISP usually come with a configurable built-in firewall. Some routers now come with
3rd party firmware such as DD-WRT pre-installed.

Note: Lot of talk about "BACKDOORS" in routers.

 

Yes, better if you do a search on the topic here in Wliders. Anyway, I would say Netgear or Linksys.

 

pfSense on an older PC or custom built all in one micro-ATX setup. Consumer boxes are underpowered and over priced, not to mention come with backdoors as per Compu KTed's post.

My pfSense router has 2x Intel Pro 1000PT dual port server NICs (very cheap on eBay) and a TP-Link 450Mbps three-antennae wireless N PCI-e card. This gives me a highly configurable, point-and-click hardware firewall which serves a gigabit LAN and high speed wireless N access point all out of one box.