Router Firewall

WaxiesDargle

I've just set up a couple of laptops and a desktop with a Thomson TG585v7 Router (thanks to great help from here)

The jargon that came with the router said it had an integrated firewall....is that sufficient to stop others nearby from invading the computers?

Thanks

closed

It stops anyone on the internet hacking your ports, it doesn't stop viruses, or neighbours getting into your network (that is what wpa encryption is for)

WaxiesDargle

I haven't done the wpa encryption...when I was setting it up, that instruction was just for wireless...I've used an ethernet cable to my router from my desktop.

Apologies if that sounds techie illiterate...I am!

closed

If it's a wireless router, you still need to encrypt it, you might not be using wireless, but your neighbours could be

davb

WaxiesDargle wrote: »

The jargon that came with the router said it had an integrated firewall....is that sufficient to stop others nearby from invading the computers?

It is if it is turned on
Suprisingly I have seen a few new routers with the firewall turned off by default. Worth double checking, it's usually a simple tickbox, something like enable firewall or spi firewall. This will help stop attacks from the internet.

To protect from attacks via your wireless you need to use WPA or WPA2 encryption - or turn the wireless off if you are not going to use it.

computershack

davb wrote: »

It is if it is turned on
Suprisingly I have seen a few new routers with the firewall turned off by default.t.

NAT (the thing that allows multiple computers to use one IP address - or internet connection) is sufficient to stop people hacking your computer as the router doesn't know which computer to forward inbound requests from the internet to.

It will not stop outbound traffic. One thing you can do to help is to use OpenDNS.com DNS server addresses instead of your ISPs, create an account on OpenDNS and select the option to block all known malicious sites which will help prevent malware on your computer talking to the websites its programmed to.

davb

computershack wrote: »

NAT (the thing that allows multiple computers to use one IP address - or internet connection) is sufficient to stop people hacking your computer as the router doesn't know which computer to forward inbound requests from the internet to.

I wouldn't rely on a basic firewall such as NAT. Firstly it will respond to port scans, and thus get onto hacker try lists. Secondly, it won't give anything like the same degree of protection as it's not doing any active blocking.

WaxiesDargle

davb wrote: »

It is if it is turned on
Suprisingly I have seen a few new routers with the firewall turned off by default. Worth double checking, it's usually a simple tickbox, something like enable firewall or spi firewall. This will help stop attacks from the internet.

To protect from attacks via your wireless you need to use WPA or WPA2 encryption - or turn the wireless off if you are not going to use it.

doesn't the wireless need to be on to use the laptops (both have built in wireless)...and where do I do this 'tick'....
I can see you laughing...

davb

WaxiesDargle wrote: »

doesn't the wireless need to be on to use the laptops (both have built in wireless)...and where do I do this 'tick'....
I can see you laughing...

Yes the wireless does need to be on to use wireless laptops , I saw one one of your earlier posts

I haven't done the wpa encryption...when I was setting it up, that instruction was just for wireless...I've used an ethernet cable to my router from my desktop.

and assumed there was no wireless.
So, you definitely need to have encryption such as WPA or WPA2 - no encryption or WEP is not good. The first thing to establish is if there is any encryption set up - did you enter a passphrase when connecting the laptops.
There is a manual here if you don't have one.
The firewall looks harder to check on the Thomson, but you should be able to check if you log in to the router and click Firewall, and when the Firewall page appears, in the upper-right corner, click Configure.

BillScarab

Ypu can test your firewall by going to http://www.grc.com/default.htm and using "Shields Up!" to test it.

They'vealso got nice password generator on the site.

WaxiesDargle

I received this from madasafish...all seems ok


With regards to your query your Thompson router would be security enabled by default.

To check the security settings on your router kindly use the following steps:

- Open your browser eg. Internet Explorer or Safari.
- On the address bar enter the following numbers to connect to the router page : 192.168.1.254
- On the Thompson router page select wireless under Home Network.
- Select configure on the top right hand corner.
- Ensure encryption is enabled and the encryption code is enabled.
- Select Apply.