Hardwire vs. Software Security

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by jamesfg, Oct 4, 2012.

  1. jamesfg

    jamesfg Private E-2

    Hi,

    My computer did not come with wireless capability, so today I bought a Netgear
    N300 Wireless USB Adapter. Now, when I disconnect the cable company's modem cable from my computer and install the Netgear wireless connection, will I have the same level of security? I do have antivirus, firewall, etc.

    Thanks for any guidance you can give me on this.
     
    jamesfg, Oct 4, 2012
    #1
  2. Caliban

    Caliban I don't need no steenkin' title!

    Greetings, jamesfg...

    For the most part, your security should be roughly the same. Do you have to enter a password when making a connection?
     
    Caliban, Oct 4, 2012
    #2
  3. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Do you use a router or is this computer the only one connecting to the cable modem?
     
    plodr, Oct 5, 2012
    #3
  4. jamesfg

    jamesfg Private E-2

    Thank you for your responses.

    This computer connects directly to the cable company's modem. I do not have to enter a password when I check in.
     
    jamesfg, Oct 5, 2012
    #4
  5. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    Cable company modems generally don't have a firewall.
    What is the brand and model of this?

    I think you'd be safer wired. Wireless signals can be sniffed. That's why people are more careful at hotspots than at home.
    Some of your neighbors might sniff what is being exchanged. Both from your end to a site and from a site to your wireless computer.
    I would not trust myself to do online banking and the like from a wireless home computer.

    All my wireless computers are behind a router. My IP is hidden. My IO shows the cable modem IP and NOT the address of the actual computer.
    Since you have one wireless computer, everyone sees the cable modem;s IP and hence knows exactly what the address of your computer is.
     
    plodr, Oct 5, 2012
    #5
  6. brownizs

    brownizs MajorGeek

    Security is only as good as the person using the device. Whether it be the key to a house, car, office, file cabinet, safe, or even accessing a computer.
     
    brownizs, Oct 5, 2012
    #6
  7. jamesfg

    jamesfg Private E-2

    Thanks Plodr for the valuable information you gave me. My Netgear does have a firewall (along with my anti-virus package). I will be able to find out about the modem Monday when the business office opens.

    Have a good one...
     
    jamesfg, Oct 6, 2012
    #7
  8. jamesfg

    jamesfg Private E-2

    I can't agree with you more, broownizs. Have a good one and thanks for responding to my post.
     
    jamesfg, Oct 6, 2012
    #8

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