The Different Types of Firewalls
Computer firewalls are designed to stop unauthorised access from outside sources while permitting authorised access to the computer network or system. Firewalls are configured to permit and deny connection from outside devices through a set of rules set by the administrator of the network.
Firewalls can be installed into a network using either hardware or software and are frequently used to prevent unauthorised internet users accessing parts of a private network that is connected to the internet. All messages that are transmitted along the network and to the internet must pass through a firewall that will analyse each message to ensure they meet a security rule.
Most modern home computers make use of a software firewall and prevent computer hackers accessing personal information held on a computer via the internet or infecting the computer with a virus. If hackers can infect a computer with a virus they may be able to access the system via “back doors” through open ports on the system. A firewall will take care of these open ports and block traffic that tries to pass through open ports.
Both inbound and outbound traffic must be controlled by the firewall. Hackers can make use of a number of virus and phishing software that can be undetected by a computer but send information to the hacker via the internet connection. Firewalls will screen the outgoing traffic to ensure that the information is not sensitive and being sent to trusted sources.
Firewalls work in two different ways, generally data that comes in is analyzed by the firewall the determine the IP address it is coming from and also the content. A firewall will check to see if the information is compliant with the rules that you are able to configure. It will also analyze information at the application level, a firewall program will determine whether or not the application should be able to send or receive data through the port in which you are connected.
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