Generally speaking, a computer firewall is a kind of software program that works by preventing unauthorized access from or to a private network. Firewalls are considered as tools that could help enhance computer security including those that are connected to a network like the internet or LAN. Firewalls are an important part of an extensive network security framework.
A firewall will isolate the computer from the internet through the use of a wall of code that check every individual packet of data when it arrives at either firewall’s sides – outbound or inbound from your computer – know if it will be blocked or allowed to pass.
Firewalls can further improve the security of your computer by allowing granular control over what kinds of system processes and functions have access to the networking resources. Firewalls could use different kinds of signatures as well as host conditions to deny or allow traffic. Even though they seem complicated, firewalls are quite easy to install, setup, as well as operate.
Many people believe that a firewall is a device that needs to be installed on a network and it will control the traffic that moves through the network segment.
But, it is also possible to have firewalls that are host based. This could be done on the units themselves, like with ICF or Internet Connection Firewall. Generally, the work of these two firewalls is the same. They prevent intrusion and offer a strong way of accessing control policy. In simple terms, firewalls are nothing but a unit that protects your computer.
What Is The Job Of A Firewall?
Firewalls do the following things:
- Validate access
- Protect resources
- Control and manage network traffic
- Report and record events
- Work as an intermediary
What And Why You Need A Personal Firewall?
It is crucial to know why you need a firewall and how it can help you secure computing. We have to understand the objective of information security since it helps us to know how a firewall will deal with those needs.
With today’s high speed Internet Access, you connect your computer electronically to a huge network over which, unless you’ve got a personal firewall installed, you will have restricted control and from which you will have restricted protection. Until lately, unless you have worked for a company that offers high speed internet access.
But just like anything, there are drawbacks to high speed internet connection. But there is an irony to all these. The feature that makes it attractive is also the reason that it’s vulnerable. It’s like connecting to the internet through a high speed internet connection is just like leaving your house’s front door open and worse, unlocked. It’s because high speed internet connection possesses these following features. It has a constant IP, a high speed access, and an active connection.
Protect Yourself With A Personal Firewall
Now that you already have an idea that you’re extremely vulnerable when you are online on a high speed internet connection, what should you do next? You have to learn how to defend your computer and yourself.
You need a firewall when you surf the internet when you are at home and you are using an always on broadband connection. You connect to the internet through a public WiFi network in an airport, café, or park. You run a home network that needs to remain separated from the internet. You want to remain updated about when a program on your computer tries to connect to the internet. Most personal firewalls can be configured so you can easily make security policies that are suitable for your personal needs.
