Is 7's firewall enough?

si8mon said:

jsmoline said:

Sounds like you did the shields up test. Mine was also stealthed. The firewall test is called leak test. It's a little test that you have to download. That's the one that will tell you if your firewall is working. You can be in stealth mode and totally safe from inbound attacks, yet still fail the leak test. I would download leak test and try again. That's what happened to me.

Thanks for the info. My firewall failed me!!! Any ideas on how i could improve my firewall?

Thanks

What firewall are you using?

Keep in mind that you are safe from hackers and scanning bots. The leak test shows that if you download and install a program, malware or legitimate, that program can access the internet. It does not mean your firewall is ineffective; it means your firewall does not block outgoing connections.

firewall failed? depends on the site that you surfs on mate

si8mon said:

CarlTR6 said:

What firewall are you using?

I'm using the inbuilt windows firewall and my router's firewall.

CarlTR6; said:

Keep in mind that you are safe from hackers and scanning bots. The leak test shows that if you download and install a program, malware or legitimate, that program can access the internet. It does not mean your firewall is ineffective; it means your firewall does not block outgoing connections.

Ok thats good to know. So my firewall can't block outgoing connections but I don't mind because i'm very cautious with the programs i download and install on my comp. So as long as I download trusted programs my comp is safe.

It is not that your firewall can't block outgoing; it is just not set up to do so. Yes, your computer is safe unless you download something bad.

Asking if Windows Firewall is enough is a very vague question. There are so many factors that come into play.

-do you have a hardware firewall?
-what are your browsing/downloading habits
-how well to protect yourself from viruses/malware
-do other people use the machine in question who may not use safe surfing and downloading habits

I could go on but the point is that Windows Firewall is enough for me but I am comfortable at being able to keep my machine clean and I have a good idea of practices and habits that may make my machine vulnerable. It only takes 1 mistake and you have something on you machine that renders your hardware and software firewall useless. Common sense with a mix of a router and a software firewall is ultimately the best protection. I do recommend using Windows 7 Firewall Control if you do choose to use only Windows Firewall.

Found here:
Windows 7 Firewall Control : Sphinx Software

so far windows firewall protect me and im just browsing safely to keep it in shape :)

Layback Bear said:

I use Windows 7 firewall as my Intel dealer recommended and works just fine. From my memory W/7 firewall is inbound and outbound protection. So far my dealers customers have had no problems with it.

You are correct - if you know how to configure the rules for outbound protection. Without the rules, it does not protect against outbound.