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Do you need to have a firewall on a linux desktop?
(discuss.tchncs.de)
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If you are only at home you don't need it because the router already has a firewall. But if you're is using public WiFi definitely use it.
It depends on how much do you trust your router.
Some home routers have poor security: unfrequent updates, http (not https) web consoles, single factor authentication (password only, without username for instance).
Enabling your firewall is the bare minimum, costs nothing and it's a good security practice.
Sure that is true but if you're getting it from the ISP and it's that bad, you need to change ISP.
Plus, ALWAYS get into the router and set a new password. Always. And go over all the settings to be sure. As you say, a shit ISP may have lax security.
You should bring your own hardware wherever possible. I'd never trust my local network to the ISP.
Not to mention, a lot of ISPs still provide you with shit hardware, so by just purchasing an actually somewhat decent router you may even notice a performance improvement on your network as well.