Do I need an external firewall?

[GilesM]

Hello,

On both my iMac's I have the firewall enabled and the stealth mode enabled.
Is there anything to be gained by purchasing a hardware firewall (as supplied by netgear, Cisco, Draytek etc.) to place between the iMac's and the Cable Router ?

Does an extra layer of security help or hinder ?

 

[ebel3003]

In few words: Not really, no.

Sure, if you're super paranoid, then it's not going to hurt. It's probably unnecessary, though, as your router kind of acts like a hardware firewall on its own.

 

[richard.mac]

most routers already have a firewall these days which is more than enough.

 

[DoFoT9]

no please don't!!!

they cause more negatives then they do positives.

 

[GilesM]

thank you for your replies

After reading the replies, I think I will not be adding a new firewall to my network.
Thanks for the advice.