Full Disclosure: Re: Dumb question: Is Windows box behind a router safe ?

["G. D. Fuego" <gdfuego () gmail com>]

On Sep 22, 2009, at 2:29 PM, Steven Anders <anderstev () gmail com> wrote:
> 1.  There are many exploits and vulnerabilities of Windows, but I  
> was wondering if outdated Windows box behind router generally  
> safe ?  Since, the Windows box was not updated with the latest  
> updates.
>
> I have always thought that having a computer behind the router  
> (since router has firewall) is generally safe, but I would love to  
> hear insights or thoughts.
Nope.  A firewall should protect you against inbound connection  
attempts only.

These days a lot of malware is installed via other means like  
exploiting vulnerabilies in browsers and other client applications  
(flash, acrobat and various active x controls).  Or just prompt the  
user to install it.
>
> 2. If a Windows box is behind a router, could a botnet be installed  
> to it ? Assuming, the end user does not install/download any  
> applications from the Internet and always use Firefox.
Software installs aren't always obvious.  Trusting a java applet for  
example.

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