Network & Internet Security

Firewalls

If you have an always-on Internet connection, such as, DSL or cable service, your network has an open door to the Internet. Just as you wouldn’t want to leave the door to your home or business wide open, you shouldn’t leave your door to the Internet open. To protect yourself from data loss or exposure, you should have a firewall.

If you have an always-on Internet connection, such as, DSL or cable service, your network has an open door to the Internet. Just as you wouldn’t want to leave the door to your home or business wide open, you shouldn’t leave your door to the Internet open. To protect yourself from data loss or exposure, you should have a firewall.

Why would I want a firewall?

The Internet, like any other human activity, is plagued with individuals who enjoy the electronic equivalent of creating graffiti, tearing off mailboxes, or just sitting in the street blowing their car horns. Other individuals are intentionally attempting to gain private or confidential information from you. Fortunately, most people are simply trying to get real work done over the Internet. A firewall's purpose is to keep unwanted individuals out of your network while still letting you get your job done.

What is a network firewall?

A firewall is a system or group of systems that enforces an access control policy between two or more networks. Quite often, the first network is your own computer network and the second network is the Internet itself. Firewalls can be used to protect your direct connections to partners or vendors and more.

The actual means by which this is accomplished varies widely, but in principle, the firewall can be thought of as a pair of mechanisms: one which exists to block traffic, and the other which exists to permit traffic. Some firewalls place a greater emphasis on blocking traffic, while others emphasize permitting traffic.

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