Security Basics mailing list archives
RE: What firewall for small medical research lab
From: "Jordan.Dallas" <Dallas.Jordan () SunTrust com>
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 13:46:08 -0400
I would go with OpenBSD and pf. I don't believe the learning curve will be as steep as you think. I think pf's syntax and structure is really easy to learn and there's good documentation to support it as well. Plus OpenBSD is a very secure OS, right out of the box. -----Original Message----- From: rmillisl () millis-it com [mailto:rmillisl () millis-it com] Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 10:55 PM To: firewalls () securityfocus com; security-basics () securityfocus com Subject: What firewall for small medical research lab I have been asked to research what good, low cost, firewall solutions might prove suitable for a medical research lab at a local University to protect confidential patient data from outsiders. In addition to other research I though I would ask here. I realize a firewall is just one component of an overall security policy / implementation. Basically what is needed is a simple NAT box that generally keeps outsiders out, and allows authorized lab servers and workstations to access certain services out on the main building network (DNS, IMAP, POP, SMTP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH) and through that network to the Internet (through the main building campus/network). Cost is a very important factor so suggested solutions have been: - Pay someone to set up a PC based firewall running on surplus hardware using either Fedora Core 5 and Shorewall 3.0.6 (to allow easy configuration of iptables rules). The hardware and software cost are low. The time could add up. I have considerable experience with this so this would be the lowest learning curve. Problem is Fedora with its frequent updates may make managing this more of a chore. - Pay someone to set up a a PC based firewall running on surplus hardware using either OpenBSD 3.7 or 3.8 and pf. The hardware and software cost are low. The time could add up. I have some OpenBSD experience and no pf background. - Pay someone to set up a a Linksys or D-Link broadband switch/firewall/router. The hardware cost is low. The time to set up may be minimal (Plug&Play + some common sense and provided firewall/filter capabilities). Are these a serious and secure enough solution? - Some other low cost hardware or software based alternative. What else might be out there that I don't know about that might be comparable in cost to the D-Link or Linksys options. The PC based solutions I personally have the most confidence in with respect to hand crafting a minimal OS build and hardening and patching the OS and doing rules mostly by hand. With pf there is some concern of errors introduced due to learning curve. Comments? Suggestions? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ - This List Sponsored by: Webroot Don't leave your confidential company and customer records un-protected. Try Webroot's Spy Sweeper Enterprise(TM) for 30 days for FREE with no obligation. See why so many companies trust Spy Sweeper Enterprise to eradicate spyware from their networks. FREE 30-Day Trial of Spy Sweeper Enterprise http://www.webroot.com/forms/enterprise_lead.php ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- LEGAL DISCLAIMER The information transmitted is intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of or taking action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. Seeing Beyond Money is a service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc. [ST:XCL] ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This List Sponsored by: Webroot Don't leave your confidential company and customer records un-protected. Try Webroot's Spy Sweeper Enterprise(TM) for 30 days for FREE with no obligation. See why so many companies trust Spy Sweeper Enterprise to eradicate spyware from their networks. FREE 30-Day Trial of Spy Sweeper Enterprise http://www.webroot.com/forms/enterprise_lead.php --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current thread:
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Hayes, Ian (May 01)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Jordan.Dallas (May 01)
- Re: What firewall for small medical research lab Rajeev Kumar (May 01)
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Bryan S. Sampsel (May 01)
- Re: What firewall for small medical research lab Bob Radvanovsky (May 01)
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab adnan () techiesonly com (May 01)
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Arturas Zalenekas (May 01)
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Justin Shore (May 01)
- RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Beauford, Jason (May 01)
- Re: What firewall for small medical research lab Jeff Davis (May 01)
- Re: RE: What firewall for small medical research lab rsingh36 (May 01)
- Re: RE: What firewall for small medical research lab Arunodhay Koul (May 02)
(Thread continues...)