router, firewall question

billycasper_2

My question may seem a basic one but how secure is a router ? I had a basic usb modem which was updated to a router when i signed up for o2 broadband. i have nod32 and vista, i'm wondering if i should invest a firewall but finding 1 thats compatible with vista can be a little problematic.

Reluctant_spender

Does your router have a built in Firewall? I know some do.

In relation to software firewalls you have a number of options, you could upgrade nod 32 to the suite - not sure of the cost or a free version would be something like Comodo, Armor All or zonealarm

n65uk

A router is a very secure type of hardware firewall. It will drop any incoming packets (traffic) the computer didn't request.

But it's inbound. So if you have a PC infected with spyware, and its sending information back to the creators, a router won't stop that.

Hence why people suggest software firewalls still, or at least a program (normally HIPS programs) that have network control, at least outbound application network control. So you can control what is being sent from your computer, leaving your router to deal with what is coming in.

billycasper_2

Thanks for the replies. Good i'm glad its more secure. i do have adaware and run it regularly for spyware. as for upgrading to nod suite, i'm pretty sure its not vista compatable.

Reluctant_spender

Nod suite is compatiable - I run it on Vista.

From Nod32 UK Site

System Requirements
Processors supported: 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) Intel®, AMD® or 100% compatible
Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows® 2000
Microsoft Windows XP (32 and 64-bit editions)
Microsoft Windows Vista® (32 and 64-bit editions)
Memory: 35 - 40 MB, on average
Disk Space (download): 18 MB
Disk Space (installation): 40 MB

Taken from the foot of this page - http://www.eset.co.uk/smartsecurity/featuresbenefits2.php?s=benefits

billycasper_2

I have just been on the site and cant see a way to upgrade to the suite from nod32 av. But yes i see it it compatable.