In today’s world of computers, we keep hearing the term
firewall frequently. Well some of us might guess that the word firewall means
some wall of protection. Some might guess it to be prevention against computer
viruses. But you never know, some might even assume to be some spark, current
or lightning! That’s funny, isn’t it?
What if we don’t have a firewall? Why should we have one?
These questions might go around your mind multiple times.
Well if you really want to understand the concept of
firewall, you need to read further and you will have the answer.
Introduction
to firewall
Whenever your system is connected to the internet whether its
private or public places, you are always vulnerable to be the prey of
cyberattacks like Trojans, keyloggers, and hackers, etc. They might happen to
enter your system through some or other security loopholes. This means whenever
you connect to the net, you are prone to any sort of malicious attacks which
might harm your system, get your personal information or might be bankrupt you
if you love doing shopping online.
Generation of Firewall
Generally
Firewall can be categorized on the basis of their generation.
·
First Generation- Packet Filtering
Firewall
·
Second Generation- Stateful
Inspection Firewall
·
Third Generation- Application Layer
Firewall
·
Next Generation Firewalls
(NGFW)
Types of Firewall
Firewalls
are generally of two types: first one is Host-based firewall and
another one is Network-based firewall.
·
Host- based Firewalls
·
Network-based Firewalls
Here comes
the concept of FIREWALLS.
A firewall as the name suggests is like a shield or a barrier
between the system and the various outside world attacks. Whenever your system
gets connected with the internet, the information will go to and fro in the
form of small units that are termed as packets. The major role of a firewall is
to keep filtering these packets before they move out or in the system. There
are a certain set of rules and criteria on the basis of which the packets are
allowed to move in or out of the system or else they are blocked by the
firewall. In this way, the cyber hackers cannot enter your system and get to
know any personal details like bank information and passwords, etc.
There are some basic firewalls that come with Window XP. They
have the responsibility of monitoring the traffic that is coming. The role of a
good firewall is to monitor the complete traffic that is coming or moving out.
Therefore, your incoming data is safeguarded along with the outgoing data thus
keeping complete information safe and preventing unauthorized access. Along
with data safety, your pc invisibility is also enabled by the best firewalls
i.e. whenever you are online you will not be visible to people hence the
intrusions can be directly avoided.
The firewalls that are highly sophisticated come with a
feature of continuous updates. They keep on updating you regarding the
malicious applications and the good applications so that you can take the
preventive steps then and there. This way your protection will always remain
up-to-date.
But remember one thing, though firewalls help in protection
against any sort of unauthorized access but if there is any malware already
available, it cannot help removing them. Therefore, you need to use it in a combination
of some anti-malware software for strong resistance against any attacks.
5 Reasons Why
Should Choose a Firewall?
By now you must have clearly understood what firewall is and
how it can significantly protect your system and crucial data. Now let’s take a
look at some major reasons for using firewalls in details below:
·
Prevention
from any sort of remote unauthorized access
When you are connected over any untrustworthy networks, there
is always a risk of someone from remote trying to access your PC. This can let
the data breach happen easily and your crucial data including passwords and
other information can be leaked to the intruders. Using a well-configured
firewall can lead to disabling of the remote system access without your
permission. So, no one will be able to check the charge of your system until
you want the same.
·
Online
gaming becomes safer with firewalls
This is the world of internet and gaming is one of the major
developments of the online world. But with games come a lot of viruses, malware
and hell lot of cyberattacks. This can be a devastating threat to security.
There are malware designed specially to target online gamers who are using the
unsecured gaming servers. The firewall has led to the prevention of any sort of
attacks that can occur during the time you play games online.
Firewalls are not just capable of preventing any remote
access or hacking attacks but more than that. Yes, you read it right. You can
also block the contents that you don’t want to see now or in the future that
might appear to be risky or a potential threat to your system.
·
Hardware
firewalls can be used in routers
Firewalls are not just limited to be software but also they
come in the form of hardware which can be installed in the wireless routers
to safeguard from any sort of attacks. You can access these firewalls with the
help of admin rights and install them as per your use.
·
Firewall
can be used to meter bandwidth
Till now we have understood that firewalls prevent attacks
and remote accesses. But above all, it is also used to limit the bandwidth
flowing through the network. Yes, you can limit the bandwidth for things that
are of less usage including music, videos, and images, etc and reserve that
bandwidth for some crucial business works.
When it comes to security, we need to be super active in
taking preventive measures to keep our system safe and sound. Attacks and
malware can not only hack your data but also decrease the system performance.
So it is your first and foremost duty to get the sound and safest watchman i.e.
the best
firewalls for your home and business.
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