Do dialup connections need firewalls?

The threat to any specific computer is governed by the window of opportunity available to the potential hacker.

Obviously, with a broadband connection (always on), this window is infinite, and it makes sense to put something robust between you and the Internet. You also invariably end up with the same IP address for long periods of time, which makes the hacker's job that much easier.

With a dial-up connection, the window is usually very small and fleeting. You also get a different IP address every time you connect. BUT a window still exists. The chances of a hacker discovering your computer is small, but the chances increase the longer you remain connected.

My company has the following policy for employees wishing to access company resources from home:
A hardware firewall is required for a broadband connection. A software firewall is required for a dial-up connection.

The bottom line is: why take a chance?

I tend to agree with the PC shop that dial-up connections do not 'need' a firewall.

Between the dynamic IP address, slow connection, and average on-line times, the odds are in favor of the user.

Now, if you have a dedicated phone line for yourdial-up, and spend more than 8 hours a day on-line, your needs are different.
A firewall would be a worthwhile investment.

Another factor for the techs at the shop, is the technical sophistication of the average new PC user that will use just a dial-up connection.
The person buying their first PC, or who can't navigate the web beyond AOL, is not ready to deal with a firewall, and will be a tech support nightmare for the shop.

So, Dial-up connections don't 'need' a firewall.
However, most PC literate users should install a firewall for any external connection.

Chas

well dear user, firewall security is required on machines and systems that are on the network for security which are independent on the media used for communication.

If its a dialup connection, wouldnt u need to prevent ur PC from being hacked or attacked ? well, i guess he might have misunderstood ur question or maybe some misunderstandings might have taken place if they are having a good repu in the market.

Anyway, ZONEALARM doesnt take that much space cuz i use it and i like it as itinforms me of each and every single application and service that it is about to run ... So no way for the Trojand to get activated as well !!!

You bet your credit card number and any other data on your computer/network.

It takes only a moment for a malicious, automated process to discover your machine is connected and communicate with it. I've been port scanned after only being on-line for seconds. While your IP address may be dynamic, and you get a new one everytime you connect, the hackers know the general range of addresses used by the ISPs, so they (actually their programs) can be vigilant, looking for that opportunity to get you while you're on for just a few minutes. Like a previous respondent said, you're betting all the sensitive information on your computer against the hackers.