Did
you know that when your computer is connected to the internet, it has
over 131,000 ‘ports’ that a hacker could connect to? These
ports are like doors in a building and if they aren’t protected
properly, then someone could sneak in without you noticing. If the hacker
is not installing a virus, they can still do some serious damage without
alerting your security software, including transmitting your personal
information. So how do you watch all of these doorways to your information?
You need a firewall!
In
construction terms, a firewall is a fire-resistant wall that
subdivides a building to stop the spread of fire from one
area to another. In computer terms, we need to stop communications
between your computer and others on the internet. A total
block of all internet communication would be useless though,
so you need a way of selecting which type of communications
you want to receive. For this, computer firewalls have rules
and filters much like construction firewalls have access
doors.
Where
do I put this firewall?
Firewalls can be on a hardware box (a separate unit
or part of your internet modem or router) or can be software
installed on your computer. Most popular security software
packages also include a firewall. A hardware firewall is great
for providing a barrier before your computer is even reached
and will also mean that your computer doesn’t have to
spend its precious resources on running the firewall software.
It also reduces the risk of the firewall itself being compromised,
as some viruses can try and disable security software features
that are running on your computer. The downside is that a hardware-based
firewall can be more expensive and not as easy to configure
and maintain if you are unsure of how to use them.
If
Microsoft gives me a firewall, do I need another one?
The Windows Firewall (on Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Vista)
only examines inbound communications coming into your computer
from the internet. If your computer becomes infected (e.g.
if you install some free software that turns out to have
a hidden nasty) then your outbound communication to other
computers on the internet won’t be examined or filtered.
This can turn your computer into a source of infection, impacting
your security and internet connection. It’s also not
recommended that you run more than one software firewall
as this uses more processing power and can cause conflicts,
so if your security software includes a firewall, turn off
the Windows Firewall.
If
I have a secure wireless connection do l need a firewall?
A wireless connection is another way to get onto the internet
and wireless security controls who can use that connection.
This is similar to allowing who can plug into your phone
line. Once you are connected, your 131,000+ ports are still
open to hackers, so you still need a firewall. A firewall
may be included on your wireless router but it pays to check.
Why
does it keep on giving me messages?
If you are doing something specific (like installing new
software or troubleshooting a connection problem) you may
need to temporarily disable your firewall. Software firewalls
may alert you that a connection has been attempted and blocked
and may ask if you wish to allow that kind of connection
in the future. In general, if you are doing something new
which would probably involve a connection to the internet,
you can allow the connection – either ‘this time
only’ or for all future connection attempts. If in
doubt, block it, as you can always allow it later if you
find that it is needed.
Firewalls
provide an enhanced level of security that has now become
the minimum standard to protect your computer. They do require
a certain level of knowledge or a great computer support
person.
Call
ITensure today to
ensure that you are protected.
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