Re: Linksys router and Norton Internet Security

From: NeoSadist (neosad1st_at_charter.net)
Date: 03/24/04 

Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:09:42 -0700

Paul wrote:

> I just upgraded from dial-up to cable internet. I also installed a
> Linksys BEFSR41 Cable Router/4 port switch for my LAN. I have 2-XP and
> 2-Win98 PCs on the network. I've been running Norton Internet Security
> on the PCs for firewall and antivirus protection.
>
> Now that I have a router on the net with address translation, is
> having Norton Internet Security (firewall component) on the PCs
> necessary?

I would say "yes", especially for the Windows 98 boxes. Windows 98 is
dangerously insecure for modern day security. Also, NAT "firewall" is in
my opinion simply the way a router does its job. NAT is not good enough
protection to even be considered a firewall, especially today. Now it may
slow an attacker down, but not by much.

> Does it add any extra protection?

I would say that Norton is more powerful protection than the router. I say
keep it.

> Or, is it totally
> redundant?

It is not redundant. NAT simply translates addresses. Norton does packet
and state/connection filtering. I'd rather give away the router than the
Norton software. However, if you want a more powerful router/firewall
solution, get an old Pentium 1 machine with 64mb ram and 1gb hdd and put
Smoothwall 2.0 Linux on it -- it will act as the router, gateway, dhcp
server, and firewall.

> Thanks. 

-- 
In Corning, Iowa, it's a misdemeanor for a man to ask his wife to ride
in any motor vehicle.

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