KEY POINTS
*The following statistics have been provided to us by the CyberSecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
- “1 in 3 homes with computers are infected with malicious software”
- “65% of Americans who went online received at least one online scam offer”
- “Worldwide consumers lost $358 + 21 hours on average per year dealing with online crime”
This Ask the Experts session stems from a question originally posted on Quora titled “Do Routers with Built-in Firewalls Provide More Security than Those Without Them?“
Assuming that this in a non-enterprise environment, and that the router and firewall are properly configured, routers with a built-in firewall can provide a basic level of security for a network; however, they are not a substitute for a standalone firewall, or a more comprehensive security solution such as an intrusion detection system or an intrusion prevention system. Having a firewall built into a router can help to protect users and devices against common threats and reduce the attack surface of the network. However, not all routers are created equally, and the router’s firewall may not have the level of customization and advanced features that a standalone firewall provides. In the end, the level of security provided by a router with a built-in firewall will depend on the router’s capabilities and configuration, and it is important to consider all aspects of network security when evaluating one’s overall security posture.
A defense in depth approach where one leverages their router’s firewall, a host’s firewall (local device firewall), and a reputable anti-virus/anti-malware suite is better than nothing and is a step in the right direction when it comes to improving your security posture at home.
Have any questions regarding routers or how to setup a secure network at home? Contact us and we will be glad continue the dialog! Do not forget to click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more information security related tips and tricks.
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