[SOLVED] Linux As A Firewall

th1bill · 08-27-2012, 09:05 AM

I know, from experience, that Linux Servers are used in many commercial settings as a firewall for windoze computers. So coomes my question, I seldom use any Windows apps today but am setting up one for a friend in business and I need to know in placing it inside Vbox on an Ubuntu unit makes it safer?

Thanks for any and all replies in advance.

SecretCode · 08-27-2012, 09:12 AM

I don't think so. Your windows guest will still be able to communicate with the outside world through bridged networking (if you set it up that way) or through vbox's NAT feature (if you set it up that way).

Only if you configure a full firewall on the linux box and configure the windows guest to use it as a proxy and lock down the configuration of the host will you get benefits ... but these will be the same benefits you get from having a separate box as a firewall.

jefro · 08-27-2012, 08:15 PM

Installing xp in a virtual machine might have some advantages, generally more of a copy and clone issue.

One could make a second Vm and use it for a good firewall. Just point your xp to the second vm.

Firewall appliances are ready made in some cases for a vm or you can use things like untangle linux to build one. Others exist if you want.

Many small businesses have no idea of data security. They let the users do all sorts of stupid stuff and expose personal private data to the internet.

Ztcoracat · 09-01-2012, 04:28 AM

Hi:
Jefro is right. I just read a whole lot of security stuff.

You should have numerous defense mechanisms (layers) in place designed so that an attacker has to defeat multiple mechanisms to perform and attack.