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How Secure is Windows Firewall?

Posted by michael on from the better-than-nothing dept.

Garret writes "Though Microsoft is doing their part in protecting Windows users from internet attacks by including a firewall in their latest service pack, one has to wonder just how secure is the Windows Firewall from XP Service Pack 2? Not too good according to Flexbeta. Their recommendation is to turn off Windows Firewall and get an alternative such as ZoneAlarm or Sygate PF. Simply the fact that Windows Firewall can be turned off by another application is enough to tell me Microsoft has goofed again." PCWorld also has a story about the new firewall capability.

8 of 620 comments (clear)

  1. I turned it off. by sqrt(2) · · Score: 5, Funny

    With the firewall, and the security center it was using an extra ~20 MB of memory that I need to play Doom3 faster!

    --
    If you build it, nerds will come. Soylentnews.org
  2. Three letters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    GRC - Shields Up: If you aren't stealthed, the evil boogeyman will get you... and your children!

  3. Re:Get a grip by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    My box has never been hacked into.

    This can also be read as:

    I never got a popup reading "ZOMG! J00ve b33n h4xx043d by da ch1n33z3!!1!1one!eleven lolololz"

  4. Re:SP2 is a security hole in itself. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    2. The OS should not allow input when there isn't anyone logged in.

    lemme tell you, that'll make it a bitch to log in.

  5. Re:Zone Alarm? Blech by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Please, Windows firewall works so much more elgantly than kerio personal Firewall.

    The main technique microsoft is using is that they made a shitty firewall so it would get mentioned in the IT topic section of slashdot. They knew all of the would be hackers would read it, and have their eyes burned out by the hidious brighter than the sun sand brown color scheme. How clever Bill, how clever.

  6. Re:Zone Alarm? Blech by Jameth · · Score: 5, Funny

    Doesn't let WindowsME boot? Sounds like it's working fine.

  7. Re:Stealth? *ARGGGH* by germinatoras · · Score: 3, Funny

    Because STEALTH is how you security your compooter!! Bill Gates is the smartest man on earth and he is smarter than those evil H4CK0RZ who are trying to break is pretty WIND0WZ!! I think GRC is the best web site ever made and if it says "Stealth" then that means I have securitieied my compooter! Stoopid Lunix doesn't have a Stealth mode You can't even install McAfee Firewall on Lunix! Lunix sucks, Windows is the best OS ever because it has STealth.

  8. Re:Stealth? *ARGGGH* by jez9999 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Any windows user with even a hint of clue would unbind Netbios from their internet facing card.

    How are you defining 'hint of a clue'?

    --
    == Jez ==
    Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.