NAT vs. Security

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From: Scott D. Pearson (scott.pearson_at_PearsonCTS.com)
Date: 04/03/04 

Date: Sat, 03 Apr 2004 06:20:49 GMT

I need an opinion and/or a recommended solution regarding a home networking
situation..., so here we go.

Current setup:

I have two PC's (running Win2000 Pro) connected via ethernet cables to an
Addtron ADRE200P router (ref:
http://www.pier23.com/proinfo.asp?proNumber=ADRE200P&dept=6555) which is in
turn connnected to my cable modem for internet access (ISP = Time-Warner
Cable Roadrunner). For security, I rely on the NAT feature of the router
and I also run Zone Alarm on each of the PC's.

Proposed setup:

I am considering mounting a 120GB external hard drive (ref:
http://www.iomega.com/support/manuals/networkhd/main.html) DIRECTLY TO THE
ROUTER and making it available to both PC's on my home network.

Question:

Since the external hard drive will not be connected to a PC, that external
hard drive will not be protected by Zone Alarm. The external hard drive will
only be protected by the NAT feature of the router. I have done some reading
on NAT (ref: http://www.homenethelp.com/web/explain/about-NAT.asp) but I am
still wondering if NAT alone is "enough" security for a hard drive with
sensitive information on it?

Note: Addtron seems to have gone belly-up since their website
(www.addtron.com) can no longer be reached. I have an email pending to
Iomega but I suspect they will say, "Sure, our drive will be 100% secure! So
go ahead and buy it!" I'd rather not get an answer from the same guy who may
sell me the drive.

In addition to posting an answer here, directly replies to
scott.pearson@PearsonCTS.com would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Scott Pearson
San Antonio, TX

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