Does Mac OS firewall also protect external drive connected to iBook?

Hi all,
I have an iBook G4 to which I've connected an iomega external firewire drive divided into two partitions (a clone of my iBook, plus a section used for photo storage).
I have the firewall turn ON in my iBook's system preferences, and none of the sharing options are enabled.
I'm wondering if this firewall will also protect my external drive?
I'm connected (authorised user) to the internet via airport coming from a network set up by my landlord, who lives downstairs.
I'm wondering if it's OK to leave the ext. drive plugged in all the time (if it's protected by the firewall), or should I unplug it when not in use?
Anyone know?
Thanks

The external hard disk drive is accessed via your computer,
so the only way an external off-site attack could be performed
would be through the System; it has the Firewall, if turned on.
Unless the external hard disk drive is of the type or configured
to be accessed remotely or through some wireless setup to
share it via a base station or other device for backups or other
uses, it should be as safe as the hard drive in the Mac. But, if
the external drive is on an unsecure wireless network for shared
use, then the settings of the wireless base station should be set
and when not present, if no shared use is expected or desired,
an external unit could be unmounted from the desktop & powered
off until the next time it is needed.
So, under normal wire-connected use, an external drive should be
protected and as secure as the System itself; with some exception.
It is possible to change settings inside the computer and allow
other users or persons with access, to get into a computer remotely.
If you do not have these possibilities open, they can't gain access.
Hopefully this helps...
Good luck & happy computing!

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