Firewall Explained

Firewalls

A Firewall is an information technology (IT) security device which is essential in configuring to permit, deny or proxy data connections. Firewalls can either be hardware and / or software based. The basic task of this device or program is to control traffic between the computer networks with different zones of trust. An example would be if you imagine the internet is a zone with zero trust and an internal network with a high level of trust. The level of security or trust levels can be adjusted to suit the individual needs of the user and can be adjusted minutely to fit the needs of the user.

Firewalls and the Internet

Firewalls affect the installation of new software and may also prevent or issue warnings trying to browse to particular websites. The reason for this is many programs have additional code or require installation of files or website transfer, which the firewall perceives as being a potential risk to your computer. This is why we have a firewall, to prevent and protect our computers and other computers connected to the network from potential threats to our system of communication.

Firewalls can stop a multitude of intrusions like:-

Remote log in sometimes referred to as Telnet

This enables the operator to control another computer from a remote location. Sometimes this is necessary for enquires to technical support departments.

SMPT Hacking (Simple Mail Transport Protocol)

This works by gaining access to a list of email addresses, a hacker can send spam or junk mail to thousands/millions of users. This used to be quite common until firewalls became more powerful. By gaining access through the SMPT server of an unsuspecting host, the actual sender of the spam/ junk mail is very difficult to trace.

Application Backdoors

Programs have special features added to them that allow for remote access. Others contain bugs or malicious code that provide a backdoor (hidden access) that provides some level of control over your computer. Similar to Remote log in.

Macro

Some applications can be utilize a simple programming code called Macro, if a computer hacker can gain access to your computer he can cause various issues the most common one is telling your computer to shut down or crash.

Spam or Junk mail

One of the most annoying and dangerous hassles your computer can experience is through Spam or Junk mail.

Virus (Worms,Trojens etc)

The most well known threats to your computer is through all the many variations of Virus. Most firewalls cannot protect against virus infection but they can offer good protection from worms.

Most Anti-Virus software have their own fully fledged built-in firewall protection. This is why it is important to keep your anti-virus up to date to ensure maximum protection for your computer against all the potential risks associated with going online.

What You Need to Know

Firewalls need to be set to the correct security settings for your own personal use when using your computer. Most users would be fine using the default settings already implemented when enabling the device. The problems lie in settings too high a level will cut out, or will severely restrict your access to the World Wide Web. Settings too low and you can easily be susceptible to malicious code and software that can ultimately damage your computer.