There can be no second thought about the reality that internet has gained immense acceptance in our lives and hence systems are easily prone to virus attacks than ever before. Every concerned individual contemplating to make use of computer systems must be aware about the possible ways to minimize the possibility of virus attacks. Firewall can prove to be helpful to prevent viruses and hackers from accessing a particular system. It is possible to define firewall as a software/hardware that filters information entering into a system. The restriction on the flow of information from the internet to a computer system depends on the setting of the firewall.
Types of Firewall
There are two types of firewall. The two main types of firewall are as highlighted below:
- Host Based Firewalls
- Network Firewalls
Primary Function of Firewall
The main function of network firewalls is to monitor the traffic entering and leaving a specific network. The two types of network firewalls include ISA and Norten Networks Alteon Switched Firewall System. Internet connection firewall is a type of Host-based firewall that helps to protect individual computers in spite of the network it is connected. Most of the business organizations make use of both the above-mentioned dual combinations of firewall in order to protect individual computer systems.
Firewall Restricts Flow of Information
Firewall acts as a barrier and monitors the communication that happens between the internet and a computer system. Firewalls are aware of the type of information that can flow in and flow out of a particular network. Firewalls have an access control list. An access control list is a predefined set of rules that acts as a set of guideline that precisely defines the types of communications that needs to occur. Computer firewall irrespective of whether it is hardware or software blocks unwanted internet communication. An access control guidelines allows legitimate communication as well.
Firewalls Filters Information Based on IP Addresses
Firewalls are programmed in a definite manner and hence they can filter data based on destination and source IP address. IP addresses are unique numbers that can identify the location of a single host. Traffic filtering based on IP address denies information based on network/computers. The prime benefits of filtering information based on destination and source IP address are as enlisted below:
- Possible to Configure Firewalls Meant to Block Certain Websites
- Promotes a Type of Destination Filtering
- Facilitates Administrators to Disallow Instant Messaging
Source filtering offers greater access to users working on the internal networks. This form of access is always greater as compared to that of external networks.
It is always recommended to procure anti-virus firewall software from a reputable organization. The chosen organization must feature a proven record of accomplishment of eradicating and killing viruses. It is a matter of fact that most of the modern days PC and laptops are associated with an inbuilt firewall. The inbuilt firewall may or may not be sufficient for the intended use. Hence, it is always a preferable option to install one’s own firewall protection. The installed anti-virus protection offer effective protection against worm attacks and Trojans. Firewall software functions similar to a bodyguard and keeps the intended systems invisible to hackers.
