Anyone familiar with proxy servers and peer blocking?

[Ivo]

Should I worry and use programs to do this? What are the pros and cons?

I read about open source stuff like Privoxy and PeerBlock.

Ivo.

[ChuChu Flamingo]

I really wouldn't worry about it. Most of these programs are basically like logging on to your router and disabling certain ports on it. Another tool is TOR which is decent if using a wireless connection, but security can not be guaranteed via a wireless connection.

As long as your programs are up to date, anti-virus up to date, firewall implemented, you should be fine. Also if logging onto a site that requires username and password for business, make sure the link says HTTPS. If not it means it is not secure. Ebay and Paypal both use these and really helps with security.

[Hatta]

Before you can decide what sort of security you need, you have to know what you're trying to be secure from. The only truly secure computer system is one that's disconnected from the network, disconnected from power, locked in a safe, and buried underground. And even then you'll want to post guards. Anything less than that and you're trading security for convenience, which is a completely valid thing to do. Ask yourself what specific threats concern you before you implement security measures.