Firewall
 

I have a DSL modem. Is that a time of router ?

I recall that the modem required a long number when I set it up.

WPA key

You're best to tell us the brand/model details. Many units are combined modem router devices. If your computer gets a DHCP assigned local (private) IP address when you connect the unit, it is doing the routing to the internet. Does it have LAN ports?

From whence cometh that quote?

A home consumer grade modem is generally not a firewall in any sense of the word. To be certain, you'd need to RTFM your own modem's manual.

You will sometimes see the term, "firewall router." In my experience, home "firewall routers" are not worth relying on. A home router is not at all in the same league as a firewall appliance.

What is commonly referred to as a "firewall router" is a firewall only in the sense that the public ip address is different from the the LAN ips on the devices behind it. If you have any open incoming ports on that "firewall router," for all practical purposes, it is not a firewall.

The WPA key is irrelevant. That is needed to establish your connection. Once the connection is established, it is available to be exploited.

Hi Andy...

I wouldn't follow the advice you quoted. Firewalls are not foolproof. ;)

Many DSL modems, like mine, are modem/router combos that includes its own firewall. If you can give us the brand and model (and model number) we might be able to help you configure it. :)

Regards...

DLink by Verizon

DSL 2750 B

Puppy Linux has a firewall that uses Iptables, but I am currently not using it.

It may be pre-configured. Run this command

to see the current settings.

Yes, your modem does have a built in firewall. Please see page 35 here to see how to set it up. :)

Regards...

Thanks Ardvark.

I am setup for Medium.

Will High let me still surf the net, email, etc ??

Yes. The firewall is to stop unwanted inbound access.

A couple of simple online port scanning tools
http://www.t1shopper.com/tools/port-scan/
http://mxtoolbox.com/PortScan.aspx

Other tools offered
http://mxtoolbox.com/NetworkTools.aspx

You're welcome, Andy. :)

From what I see, there is no difference between the two in terms of default settings but the medium setting allows for "customization through NAT configuration." ;)

Regards...

Thanks gentlemen.

You're welcome. :)

Regards...

hahaha :) Made me smile

But, most (all?) modem / router firewalls come with preset firewalls that block all incoming ports by default. Even those that don't, provide NAT for hooking up the LAN, so unless you configure explicit port forwarding, the local network is sealed off from the internet.