The Use of Firewalls

The Use of Firewalls

A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access control policy between several networks. The actual means by which this is accomplished varies widely, but in principle, the firewall can be thought of as a pair of devices of which one exists to block unwanted IP traffic and the other which exists to permit traffic.

Firewalls work by implementing various access control policies. It's also important to recognize that the firewall's configuration creates its policy based on the parameters you provide in your security control policy.

If you have a network in your SOHO business, you need firewall protection on the web side of your host and your networked computers. The Internet has hackers that seek to get into your network or server which makes life miserable for you and your system. The purpose of a firewall is to keep hackers out and to keep your system running proficiently and smooth.

If you’re a small business operator, you should learn about the mechanics of how a firewall operates even if you have two computers on your network. There are many software packages out there such as, McAfee Internet Suite, that helps keep hackers at bay. A firewall is also great for intranet access to certain applications that are critical for you to have put restrictions on.

Lastly, a firewall can act as your corporate ``ambassador'' to the Internet. McAfee Internet Suite does this. Every time someone tries to access your computer, McAfee will notify you and reject their access. It will tell you the IP address of the computer that wants access. You can automatically set these attributes to no.
Zone Alarm is another great software package which provides outstanding firewall protection. You can limit FTP upload capability to certain user profiles when putting information on the Internet and Zone Alarm also shows you the individual that is trying to break in.

Firewalls are needed because of the data and programs that you don’t want destroyed by hackers. If you don’t have any firewalls set up for your computer or web host then you run the risk of losing data, getting viruses, or worst of all - a hard drive crash.

About the Author: