Re: Are software firewalls necessary--off topic

["Robert Holmgren" holmgren@xxxxxxxx]

** Reply to message from Harry Binswanger  on Sun, 11 Dec 2005
19:09:51 -0500

She's right, at least technically.

> "Unfortunately, router firewalls are mostly inadequate. They do hide the
> router. But if a malicious program gets into the network, most can't
> block it from communicating with the Internet.

Sure, because once it's "inside", it is privileged -- how does a firewall
prevent it from communicating? How distinguish it from a legit program's
communication?

The trick is not to let it get inside in the first place. The only way it can
get in is if you bring it in (excepting if some bug in router firmware).

I think those programs _are_ incredibly irritating, and I don't use them. But
that's not a recommendation. The router works for me.

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Robert Holmgren
holmgren@xxxxxxxx
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