Re: Hardware vs Software Firewall/Router

[Xaos <xaos () compulink gr>]

The main reason i can see to prefer a hardware firewall is that since a 
software firewall will be installed on a windows system it will be 
inevitably depending upon that system's capabilities and vurnable due to 
that system's weaknesses...
What i mean is there's always a chance that a new bug for windows will 
be discovered that will allow an attacker to by-pass your firewall in 
which case neither you nor your firewall vendor will be able to do 
something about it.
Whereas if something goes wrong with PIX you know that you only have one 
company to talk to in order to fix it...

nsm () e-paradise net wrote:

> I work for a consulting company that services businesses with 30 to 200 
> clients. Our IT Manager likes to use a Linksys, or a 3Com hardware 
> firewall solution. He is also thinking of introducing the Symantec Raptor 
> (I could be incorrect on the name) software solution. We are mostly a 
> windows based firm with little *nix experience, so most software 
> solutions are out already.
>
> My reason for posting is:
>
> I would like to provide a valid argument for not using a software 
> solution, and making our hardware solutions a little more upscale, say 
> PIX, Nokia, Checkpoint etc. The IT managers argument is that he finds far 
> less vulnerabilities in the software solutions or the Linksys and 3Com 
> than what he does in the PIX etc.
>
> I am of course familiar with all of the basic differences, I am more so 
> looking for valid argumentative points.
>
> Any input would be greatly appreciated.
>
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