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Should Windows Firewall post intrusion attempts

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Eleanor316, 2008/03/09.

  1. 2008/03/09
    Eleanor316

    Eleanor316 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    just recently started using Windows Firewall instead of Zone Alarm. Should it be alerting me to attempts by hackers or other problems?

    I have Windows XP SP2.
     
    Eleanor316,
    #1
  2. 2008/03/09
    Miz

    Miz Inactive Alumni

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    No, XP's firewall doesn't alert you nor does it monitor outbound traffic so it won't alert you when something new is trying to connect either.

    Those are the two main shortcomings of the XP firewall that lead others to use a third party firewall.
     
    Miz,
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  4. 2008/03/09
    Eleanor316

    Eleanor316 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you for your prompt reply. As long as W firewall really is blocking intrusions I guess I shouldn't care if I get alerts. I previously had Zone Alarm Pro which did a fine job of blocking intrusions (and notifying me), but there were many web sites I couldn't get streaming video from unless ZA was turned off and I worried about hackers. So for my peace of mind I'm better off using W Firewall.
     
    Eleanor316,
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  5. 2008/03/10
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    Bear in mind, that Windows firewall isn't the best firewall. It doesn't protect outbound traffic.
     
    Last edited: 2008/03/10
    broni,
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  6. 2008/03/10
    Eleanor316

    Eleanor316 Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    If I have a good up to date antivirus program is there a need to monitor outgoing traffic?
     
    Eleanor316,
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  7. 2008/03/10
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    Yes. Antivirus will protect you from installing malicious data mining programs, in most cases, but there is no perfect AV program.
     
    broni,
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  8. 2008/03/10
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    No.

    If you got something on your PC, by that time it is already too late. Lots of malware these days is designed to silently switch off your firewall software, so you still wouldn't know.

    Lots of people will claim you need an outgoing firewall; I say there's no need. You have to practice safe computing to prevent getting infected in the 1st place!
     
    Arie,
    #7
  9. 2008/03/10
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    I can't agree more, and I never had any of my computers infected, but...things happen, nobody's perfect, no AV's perfect.
    I rather opt for a firewall protecting me both ways.
     
    broni,
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  10. 2008/03/11
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Which brings me back to my point:
     
    Arie,
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  11. 2008/03/11
    rsinfo

    rsinfo SuperGeek Alumni

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    3rd Party firewall software at least shows some icon in the tray, Windows Frewall doesn't. So the user doesn't has any way of knowing whats happening (even Windows Security warnings can be turned off).
     
    rsinfo,
    #10

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