Security Question:

This is a question regarding network security.

Here's our setup. We connect to the internet via a cable modem, and have 3 computers in our house networked so we can all use the internet connection, and share resources.
Keep in mind, that we use file and printer sharing between computers.

On my computer, I ALWAYS run ZoneAlarm, and have for quite some time. Obviously, I set up ZA to allow me to share local resources.

My housemate (has 2 computers), and refuses to use ZoneAlarm on either system, claiming it interferes with a program he uses.. (ARG!)

My question is: Even though I run ZA on my system, isn't there still a problem with security? (Can someone hack into one of his systems and then to mine via the local network? I ask this, because I have our local network set to a "trusted" zone, so if someone breaks into his system and then tries to get to mine, won't my computer/ZoneAlarm just see it as a local network request or something?)

Thank you for your time!

-Don

 

Yup. If he gets hit, you are wide open to anything his attacker wants to do to you.

Your only option is to seriously tighten down on your ZA rules for the local PCs and specify exactly which ports will allow which sorts of traffic. Even then you are still somewhat at risk and working on your LAN will become a bit more of a pain in the hindparts.

Assuming his "program" is probably an interactive network game of some sort, probably easier to post his specific problem and let someone figure out how to let it work with a firewall in place on his PCs.