securing Ubuntu and firewall

[Tom Smith]

I disagree...

I guess it depends on how you define "nasty". I use Webmin, for example,
but only want it accessible from the console. The program isn't "nasty",
I just want to ensure that no one from anywhere other than the console
can connect directly to it. I have other such programs that I protect in
a similar fashion. The only two ports I have open for management are
5900 (encrypted VNC connection to X :0) and 22. The only other open
ports are for services the server provides such as web or email services.

The firewall acts to ensure that no ports are made publicly accessible
without deliberately opening the port to allow access to them. If you're
using a desktop like Gnome or KDE, too, there are many programs that
will open ports dynamically such as networkable games.

Firewalls can also help protect against DoS attacks, as well as other
types of network-based attacks that are aimed at disrupting the computer.

I think most people would agree that a firewall is a necessary feature
to implement on any server or Internet-connected computer, as well as
any network-connected computer if it's connected to an untrusted network
(like a Wi-Fi service).

~ Tom

John Richard Moser wrote:

> you don't need a firewall unless you installed something nasty.  Ubuntu
> doesn't open ports by default on the outside.
>
> H.S. wrote:
>
> >Hi,
>
> >Just wondering, what application is usually used to configure iptables
> >to secure a Ubuntu box? I am currently looking for a GUI firewall
> >application to introduce to a friend who has converted from Windows to
> >Ubuntu on his home machine, but who is not a typical Windows ignorant
> >user (considering that he knows vi!).
>
> >I have so far found firestarter. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
>
> >->HS
>
>
>
>
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