Is a router with NAT a good enough firewall?

[jazzpipe]

Just curious what people think here. If it isnt I may buy a better one, or use a software one as well.

[sleepyy]

Most routers you purchase recommend that you also buy software types

[Cabalo]

i have a d-link with firewall, though i also install firewall clients at all my pcs.
it's a much safer way to control outbound traffic, as the NAT controls mostly what comes inside only.

[nsap]

I only use NAT to protect myself. Then again, I don't go clicking on every e-mail I get or every "free porn!" site I can find.

[mbucari1]

I only use NAT to protect myself. Then again, I don't go clicking on every e-mail I get or every "free porn!" site I can find.

True. The best way to protect yourself from infection is safe computing practice.

Don't run every executable you come across.
Don't go to sites returned by google whose titles are just a bunch of key words.
etc.

[jazzpipe]

I'm more worried about getting hacked than getting viruses. Because I leave a few ports open.

[mbucari1]

I'm more worried about getting hacked than getting viruses. Because I leave a few ports open.Why would anyone hack you?? Do you have valuable information on your pc?

My guess would be not. Really the only "hacking" that's done on regular people's computers is through trojans. So don't get infected and won't get hacked.

[lynx]

1. No, nat is not a good enough firewall, but any decent router will have a reasonable firewall built in, but may be disabled as default.

2. A firewall in your router generally only stops inbound traffic. You need a software firewall to stop programs (esp spyware, viruses and trojans) making outbound connections without your permission.

[athenaesword]

i'd rather have decent firewall protectioon on my PC instead of on my router. i disable my firewall on my router and use zonealarm on my PC. have never had a problem.

[d1sc0nt3nt]

I use windows FW and my router with MAC address filtering, not perfect but I've never been hacked besides idk who the hell would wanna hack me anyway that'd be kinda lame..

[fortunefaded]

You can test out any NAT leaks here -> https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Chose Common Ports or All Service Ports option. It will report back on which ports are OPEN.

[Zelucifer]

I'm more worried about getting hacked than getting viruses. Because I leave a few ports open.Why would anyone hack you?? Do you have valuable information on your pc?

My guess would be not. Really the only "hacking" that's done on regular people's computers is through trojans. So don't get infected and won't get hacked.


An unprotected pc can get compromised in less then a half-hour. I'm not sure where you're getting the trojan thing from, but unless you're running in a virtual environment, you'll probably need to reformat within a day of running unprotected.