[SOLVED] Help choosing old hardware.

[Solitario]

Hi, I am looking for help in choosing old hardware due to my low budget aside I can't afford to buy a next generation firewall. The store where I can buy is as follows. I already found some 10 years old firewalls but within my budget. Well I look forward to your recommendations. Also a dedicated machine would not be an option for these purposes as it is very expensive to buy a complete used pc for this.

Firewall Cisco Pix 501 Vpn Tunnel - $ 2.400
Router Linksys-cisco Rv042 Dual Wan Vpn - $ 3.965
Symantec Modelo Sgs 360 Security Gateway Firewall 8 Puertos - $ 4.769,85
Firewall D-link Dfl-210 - $ 5.000


Ofertas del Cyber Monday 2021 | Mercado Libre
My budget for this is 7 thousand Argentinean pesos.

 

[Digerati]

I think you need to be more specific about what you are trying to do.

Are you trying to protect a business or home network?

How many computers are on this network?

Note that most routers already have firewall features built in for the network, and operating systems have a software based firewall for each individual computer too.

Also, if you have an old PC, you can very inexpensively turn it into a network firewall. See How to Use an Old PC as a Firewall

 

[Solitario]

there are two computers and three cell phones connected to the home network. Would a router like the mikortik hap lite that I have be sufficient for this purpose?

 

[Digerati]

I would need the specific model number but if it is this device, then it should be fine. Note in the description it shows it is a router and has a built in firewall.

Most importantly is for you to keep your devices (and their security) fully updated and you avoid being "click-happy" on unsolicited links. Use strong passwords and a strong wifi passphrase. Use a password safe/manager - don't write your passwords down on paper. Don't give your passwords or wifi passphrase to others. With a password safe, you only have to remember one password, the master password in to the password safe.

If you have friends or family come over and want to give them access to your wireless network, you enter the passphrase into their device. If they don't like that, invite them to leave!

Note that Windows 8/10/11 have an effective integrated firewall and antimalware solution already built in. Windows 7 has an effective firewall but you will need to install an antimalware solution. That said Windows 7 is obsolete and Windows 8 soon will be. You should be at W10 or 11.

I cannot speak to your cell phones but again, keeping them current is critically important.

It is also important to remember that bad guys are lazy bums. They are opportunists. They go for the easy pickings and if any resistance, they move on. So don't make it easy for them. Stay current, use strong passwords and passphrase, and don't be click-happy.

It is a different story if the bad guy knows you personally, knows you have something of value they want and is directly targeting you personally. But how likely is that? Still, your defenses are the same - it is just more important to ensure you don't use passwords or a wifi passphrase someone who knows you could easily guess. For example, don't use your pet's or child's name, or a birthdate or anniversary date.

 

[Solitario]

Thank you very much for everything, issue solved.