ADSL PCI modem or router ?

i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
and why?
why splash out on a router i dont need ? whats the minimum cost of
router ?
tia

On 10 Sep 2005 01:21:27 -0700, "tarzan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
>and why?

No more than any other modem switched on 24x7 would be. Personally I
think some folks are a bit on the paranoid side when it comes to PC
security. If you have WinXP, turn the firewall on. Make sure you have
decent virus protection and run something like Spybot once a week and
you should be fine.

>why splash out on a router i dont need ?

If this is for a single computer then there is absolutely no reason to
get a router. If you are thinking of sharing your BB connection with
other PCs in the room or elsewhere in the house then you might just as
well get a router now.

> whats the minimum cost of router ?

Ebuyer have one (only one port though) for £13.50 + Vat. Don't forget
you'll need a network card as well if you don't have one on your
motherboard (couple of quid plus VAT). If you later want to add more
machines to the network you can pick up a 4 port switch for a fiver or
so.

--
Warning: Do not look directly into laser with remaining eye.

On 10 Sep 2005 01:21:27 -0700, "tarzan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
>and why?

the PC has the external IP address and therefore a lot more exposure
to the internerd and incoming evils. A simple NAT router gives fairly
good protection, a router with a full firewall more still.

>why splash out on a router i dont need ?

see above. Do you want to spend 3 days trying to remove a trojan from
the PC.

>whats the minimum cost of
>router ?

£20 ?

Phil
--
Tiscali - dialup speeds at Broadband prices, see
http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/postlist...&Board=tiscali

AOL - the unlimited ISP of choice for heavy downloaders.

"tarzan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
> i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
> and why?
> why splash out on a router i dont need ? whats the minimum cost of
> router ?
> tia
>

It depends on wether you intend adding any more pc's to the mix at a later
date. If you do, go the router route, life will be so much easier. Routers
are fairly cheap, typically £20-50 depending on model, well worth it in my
opinion.

P.

On Sat, 10 Sep 2005 01:21:27 -0700, tarzan wrote:

> i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
> and why?
> why splash out on a router i dont need ? whats the minimum cost of
> router ?
> tia

Google on this group for past answers. A routers always worth the money
despite what Geoffrey says. It just makes things so much easier.

Dave

On 10 Sep 2005 09:19 GMT, Geoffrey <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>On 10 Sep 2005 01:21:27 -0700, "tarzan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>>why splash out on a router i dont need ?

>If this is for a single computer then there is absolutely no reason to
>get a router. If you are thinking of sharing your BB connection with
>other PCs in the room or elsewhere in the house then you might just as
>well get a router now.

Even if you are not sharing the connection now, a router will provide NAT
which will effectively bounce/drop incoming packets on unexpected ports,
so "attacks" won't be dependent on any software firewall you might use,
but get blocked by the router which is sitting there just checking for
data and comparing with some reasonable default rules (even if it has
a firewall built in but you ever use that function).

(I'd certainly recommend using both firewall s/w and a router, though I
know some feel one or other is adequate.) One other aspect about using
a router is in assistance during fault finding. (A) most give you quite
useful reports of line attenuation, SNR, and other stats in a simple to
access interface, and (with some caution) a router can be configured at
a distance. For example I could check the settings on a unit in Dover,
even though my friend is not at home right now, and not needing a PC to
be left on... If your ISP is following up with tests, then leaving the
router powered up 24x7 may be a lot more convenient than having to have
a PC powered up (especially if it happens to be very noisy). Peter M.


--
|
| UK ADSL <http://tinyurl.com/5jpa4> - Happy to save cash with Plus.Net!!
|

"tarzan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote

> is this a security risk and why?

Yes, it is!

Risk management is not just about minimising the chance of something going
wrong, it is about minimising the impact when/if that something does go
wrong. Some potential [or future] threats might find their way past your
firewall, and keeping the Internet-exposed side of your firewall off of your
PC provides an additional layer of security.

Because of the above [multi layered] strategy, network security in corporate
environments is sometimes referred to as the 'onion skin' approach. Just
because you are running only one PC does not mean that you should weaken the
security you use, but if you regard the data on your PC as more expendable
then that might justify the saving of a few quid.

If you visit the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels are not kept just inside
the front door!

- Mike

>i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
> and why?
> why splash out on a router i dont need ? whats the minimum cost of
> router ?


Because you really need a router that has a true SPI firewall incorporated
to protect against unauthorised activity. You still need a software firewall
such as ZoneAlarm to block unauthorised outbound connections.. The number of
Trojan, robots etc. around these days mean that a good program such as
Spyware Doctor is a wise investment. A decent router is obtainable for
prices to suit most pockets.

Peter Crosland

In article <(E-Mail Removed) .com>,
"tarzan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security risk
> and why?
> why splash out on a router i dont need ? whats the minimum cost of
> router ?
> tia

There are pros and cons. If you run good A/V and a firewall then a PCI
modem will do the job. A router does offer a bit more security IMHO
because its OS is written from the ground up to do that task and to be
stable and secure rather than being a bolt-on to an existing OS (in
theory at least!).

Also because no drivers are installed there is slightly less overhead on
your PC, and if you have connection problems I think it's easier to say
where the problem is if you have a router than it is with a modem, where
it could be the modem, could be the driver, could be Windows etc.

Router prices have tumbled lately, OK you need a network card as well,
but personally, with basic wired routers costing around £20 I'd use one
over a modem, but the bottom line is no, you don't NEED one unless you
have a specific need, i.e connection sharing.

cheers,
Paul
--
(E-Mail Removed)

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
tarzan <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> i am setting a BB new system using a pci modem, is this a security
> risk and why?
> why splash out on a router i dont need ? whats the minimum cost of
> router ?
> tia

A router will give you much more protection from the outside world and - if
configured correctly - will make your PC (or PCs if you add others later)
invisible to anyone trying to scan for open ports. Your PCI modem won't do
this.

Take a look at the security level of your current internet connection by
running Shields Up from https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

After pressing Proceed, select Common Ports. These should ideally all have a
green Stealth marker - like mine do, connecting via my router.
--
Cheers,
Tim
______
Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address is invalid.