Re: Router vs. desktop firewall

From: Todd H. (comphelp_at_toddh.net)
Date: 12/31/03 

Date: 31 Dec 2003 11:01:35 -0600

Mark Adams <madams9@juno.dotcom> writes:

> My question is: if I block WAN requests at the router, do I really
> need to enable a firewall at the desktops? Since I am probably going
> to get both, "Yes" and "No" responses to that question, please help me
> understand the reasoning behind either position.

It can't hurt, but it's really necessary. The primary benefit of a
desktop firewall is that it can add something to the mix that a
perimeter firewall can't -- namely the ability to block applications
on your computer from communicating to the internet unless you
specifically authorize them to do so.

This is handy for rooting out spyware and "phone home" apps on your
machine.

Best Regards, 

-- 
Todd H.
http://www.toddh.net/

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