Page 1 of Firewalls and Computer security........

Is there really any need for Firewalls ?

Has ANY one single person here been a genuine victim of hackers ?

K

Yeah, those guys in that advert, you know the one, where they`ve set up that website about cheese....

Everyone needs protection from cheese hackers.

Protects you from Microsoft too.

I`ve not been the victim of hackers no, thats because i use a firewall! I`ve had quite a few alerts though, were genuine too cos they weren`t from my isp or other related things, seem to get a few from spain actually...

I`ve had a box hacked that was behind a firewall. I think they give people a false sense of security, as most don`t understand what they even do properly. :)

`I`ve had a box hacked that was behind a firewall. I think they give people a false sense of security, as most don`t understand what they even do properly. :)`

That`s more or less what my IT manager said to me when I asked him if I needed a firewall (I have no clue as to what they really do I`m afraid...and if I really need one!)

I updated my version of Zonealarm to the latest one 5 weeks ago. This new version categorises blocked attempts into low risk (probably just a server seeing if you`re still there etc) and high risk (almost certainly a hack attempt it says).

It`s logged 4737 intrusions, 3576 of them were high risk attempts since install (5 weeks). Speaks for itself I think.

Mark.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 30th October 2002, 00:39

A bit of advice is needed please. I use the internet regularly (probably about 2-4 hours max each day). Is it necessary for me to have a firewall or are they only needed if you are online constantly?

Also, I hear they are only as good as the software you`re using and a good hacker can hack into that software if really he/she really wanted to.

Thanks.

I would say yes, definitely get one. What have you got to lose? Apart from data, bank details, credit card details etc...
It may well be that a good hacker can get past but if you`re stoppping 95% or whatever it is of hackers then that`s better than nothing. A bit like burglars, most hackers tend to be opportunists - looking for insecure connections etc. that they can get into. A decent firewall will deny the vast majority of them that opportunity.
www.zonelabs.com and get ZoneAlarm. I believe it`s interface and ease of use is up there with the best of them.

Ste