That's the way to go these days. I prefer a combo Av + Firewall rather than have 2 separate programs. Never had problems with Internet Security Suite and I tested a few.
For this reason only Kaspersky scored good on both sides. IMO.
Cheers.
This would suggest to me that there are gaps in your firewall which are now being filled by the hotel router's firewall.
I would not be overly worried but would suggest that you look into your software firewall when you can fully control the router component.
It's often just a case of getting the firewall manual out and use the tests, with the firewall in the router switched off, to set the firewall to provide the protection you need.
Then whenever you visit a hotel you can be sure you are suitably protected
You could also disable the firewall in windows and try the test - if you are protected by your home router there is no need to have the firewall operate on your home network, which will improve your performance slightly
Thanks Barman,
What's interesting is I tried Windows7 Firewall control, Private firewall, and Agnitum Outpost while at the last hotel with no difference. Would show the router ip address (not my computer's) with port 23 and port 80 open. Now at different hotel and shows "true stealth" on all ports. I think the problem may be that the port scanners that are online can only test the hotel router and they don't make it all the way to my computer. Hopefully that's the case.
You could well be correct as the only issue I've ever had with my setup is the "ping" port on the router being open which I knew about (and it's closed on the actual PC).
I would suggest you do the tests when you have control for your own peace of mind, and of course with Windows 7 you have the advantage of the multiple network zones to allow you to fully control things - just set everything you don't need, sharing wise, to off when your on a public network :)
Hi Jacee,
Don't you just love it when a plan come together :)
Mind you I would have been very shocked if your sytem came back with anything less
Well, you shouldn't be worry about hiding IP.
Eg. if your IP address is dynamic, it is not much use to hackers. Most of their attacks are random, they pick a range of addresses and run an automated attack on each in turn. This means they will sooner or later attack your address even when is hidden.
So hiding the IP is not protection, it can be traceable. Of course if you are using a router/HW FW - this is a far more effective firewalling system than anything what is on a machine. If you keep Windows firewall active as well there is very little chance of anyone getting in. The only other consideration is that wireless is a little more exposed. If you are really worried never use it. But encrypted wireless connections will always beat these kind of attacks as they only get garbage replies.
Another thing is how do you scan your ports - better solution than scanning via websites is to install net tools for example Nmap Nmap - Free Security Scanner For Network Exploration & Security Audits.
It's more reliable tool.
About closed and stealth ports - there is no really difference between them Wilders Security Forums - View Single Post - [Rant] GRC's Shields Up! and "true stealth" - firewall test or harmful FUD?
HTH,
Creer
When I was showing Port 23 and Port 80 open at the last hotel I was staying at, I was also passing the "leak test" as above. That should prove to me that my computer's firewall was preventing connection to my port 80 even thought the hotels router showed it open on the GRC "shields up" common port scan. I think that's right?
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