Re: Good desktop firewall.

Tech Tip: Click here to run a free scan for Windows Errors and optimize PC performance

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
On Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:54:32 +0100, "SPAMCOP User"
<spamcop_user@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:




I also used to recommend third-party firewalls over the Windows one
because they were two-way, and the Windows firewall only monitored
incoming traffic.

I've become convinced, however, that outbound protection is meaningless. Once one of the nasties gets into your computer, it can essentially do whatever it wants, including circumventing the firewall. So the extra protection provided by a firewall that monitors
outbound traffic is more apparent than real.



I'd have to disagree to a certain extent, Ken. Yes, some types of malware can "subvert" a personal firewall and render out-bound checking meaningless, but not all can malware do so. Some will leave a trail. I think it's better to be warned about at least some of the out-going suspicious traffic than none at all. No, it's not 100%, but nothing ever is, after all. Further, investigation of identified problems may well lead the user to discovering his/her other "vulnerabilities."



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
.

Quantcast