Understand Firewalls

What is a Firewall?

A firewall protects your computer from attacks by unauthorised users, either internally (from an organisation’s own users) or externally via the internet. It is also used to stop your staff accessing certain websites. The firewall is able to do this by inspecting packets of information as they leave or enter the network and then either lets the data through or stops it.

As a result, a firewall can filter information, i.e. information that is sent and received.

The word firewall comes from a comparison originally likened to prevent fires in a building or a ship by using metal walls that could not be burned down. As the fire reaches the firewall it would prevent further damage.

“Goodness gracious, great Firewalls of Fire” – although that’s not quite how the song went unless of course you are an IT manager at the Xmas bash having had one drink too many! Firewall technology is how it sounds; it’s about putting a firewall round your computer systems to protect you from outside threats who may wish to access your network. Traditional vendors of this technology include: Symantec, Cisco, AVG, Kaspersky, Websense, SmoothWall and SonicWall – there is something about the name wall here!

The Future of Firewalls

All PCs and networks need a firewall simply because as the internet continues to grow and more users gain access, more malicious people will try to gain illegal access to networks, sometimes just for the sake of it, or to steal confidential data or damage users PCs.

Firewalls have to continue to evolve to counter new threats as they develop and as a result, firewalls are here to stay.

Why install a firewall?

Leaving your PC or network exposed to the internet without any protection is similar to leaving your car unlocked.

The chances are you may have some valuable items in there and potentially some confidential documents which have been left in a briefcase. As a result, anybody can open the car door and access the interior and its contents. Sure, you could take the risk, but the law of averages dictates that at some point there will either be a break-in or theft of something you value.

This is similar with a PC or a network. Without a firewall it is relatively easy for an unauthorised person to access and steal valuable information, or potentially vandalise and damage your PC.

About Security

Anyone that run a business and use some sort of software on their network or PCs need to be very aware of the security risks that exist. The internet is unfortunately used by hackers, vandals and thieves who try their hardest to break into computers and networks in order to steal data or just to cause trouble.

To minimise risks and ensure that your business is safe you need to install security software. Today’s security solutions might include, for example, Antivirus, Firewalls, Content Filtering , cryptography, and spyware removal programs.

Security software should be installed on either the network, or your PCs and laptops, of if needed, on both. Most programs are updated automatically to ensure that you are protected against all the latest viruses, malware or spyware that are regularly released.

Read more about Antivirus, Content Filtering and Firewalls to understand how your organisation can become better protected against viruses and malware.

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