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magicman

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Greetings to all security fundis :)
I have a small network at home, Notebook - Wireless connection to Router
2 x Desktop PC's connected via cable to router.All running XP.

What is the best way to setup a security system/firewall?
Would building a server running the firewall help? Can this be done?

I have spare pc's lying about, got a Fast Ethernet Switch ect,.
Any advice for this nOOby of note:D
Thanks
 
Stupid question:

Why all the security for a home setup? Just doing the basics like enabling the Router firewall, changing its password, disabling and securing the AP's SSID broadcast and keeping the XP machines up to date would suffice.

Remember: Free Porn = Free Virus
 
Icbxx - your right, it would probably suffice. But being in IT security I'm paranoid. I've got firewalls and IPS's all over the place :)
 
it's overkill. no-one's going to hack his home network and look through his mydocs or delete all his pictures or something.

just change your router default password, turn on xp firewall, install AV. if you're really paranoid, switch your router off when your away or asleep.
 
OK thanks for all the input, positive or negitive, I just wanted info, to build this server for practise, to help me learn, to understand, not to protect my files that ive got, im sure my ZoneAlarm, AVG and Spyboy/Adware SE is enough protection for my pc, also my router password is changed, my id hidden, my router gets switch off when not in use. :D I'm still interested in building a server though;)
 
magicman said:
OK thanks for all the input, positive or negitive, I just wanted info, to build this server for practise, to help me learn, to understand, not to protect my files that ive got, im sure my ZoneAlarm, AVG and Spyboy/Adware SE is enough protection for my pc, also my router password is changed, my id hidden, my router gets switch off when not in use. :D I'm still interested in building a server though;)
Click to expand...
Setup a Linux firewall - it can run on a 286 with 1Meg Ram. Takes about 30min to setup.
If you would like 100Mb/s connectivity, then you might want to set it up on a 486 that has PCI slots for 2 100Mb/s NIC's
 
if you want to get into linux'ing, check out Sme Server, go to www.contribs.org, or search this forum, really nice little server platform. kicks windows' arse.
 
For a hacker if they're randomly targetting IP addy's looking for vulnerabilities it doesnt matter if your a corporate, or a lonely home user. Home users are normally easier pray, which might lead to better things especially if the user has other connections....like maybe a VPN into the office? :cool:
 
I'm using Smoothwall Express v3 RC1 on my home network setup, is testing it at the moment.

Will eventually want to upgrade my work's firewall from SWE2 to SWE3 when the time has come.


And, no, it's not overkill, it's making good sense, especially if you want to tinker around with things.
 
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