Re: Linksys router and Norton Internet Security

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Date: 24 Mar 2004 13:32:13 -0600

On 24 Mar 2004 08:31:14 -0800, turningleaves02@yahoo.com (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? Does it add any extra protection? Or, is it totally
>redundant? Thanks.

Paul,

A NAT router is a good outer layer of defense. But it is not the only needed
layer. Each layer is necessary because no layer produces complete protection.

The second layer is a software firewall, or a port monitor like Port Explorer
(free) from <http://www.diamondcs.com.au/portexplorer/index.php?page=home>.

The third layer is good software. This layer has multiple components.

AntiVirus protection. Realtime, plus a regularly scheduled virus scan.
Regularly updated.

Adware / spyware protection. Realtime, plus a regularly run adware / spyware
scan. Regularly updated.
Complete instructions, using Spybot S&D and HijackThis (both free) are here:
<http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5187>.

Harden your browser. There are various websites which will check for
vulnerabilities, here are three which I use.
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
http://bcheck.scanit.be/bcheck/
https://testzone.secunia.com/browser_checker/

Harden your operating system. Check at least monthly.
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Block possibly dangerous websites with a Hosts file. Three Hosts file sources I
use:
http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
(The third is included, and updated, with Spybot (see above)).

Maintain your Hosts file with:
eDexter <http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/get_hosts.html>
Hostess <http://accs-net.com/hostess/>
HostsFileReader <http://members.shaw.ca/techcd/VB_Projects/HostsFileReader.exe>

The fourth layer is common sense. Yours. Don't install software based upon
advice from unknown sources. Don't install free software, without researching
it carefully. Don't open email unless you know who it's from, and how and why
it was sent.

The fifth layer is education. Know what the risks are. Stay informed. Read
Usenet, and various web pages that discuss security problems. Check the logs
from the other layers regularly, look for things that don't belong, and take
action when necessary.

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

• Previous message: John: "Firewall that does 20-25mbit VPN under 1100??"
• In reply to: Paul: "Linksys router and Norton Internet Security"
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