This functions as the first line of defense against cyber criminals and various online scams and attacks. Every home computer should have some kind of host-based firewall installed on it. Host-based firewalls work similarly but are stored locally on a single computer. Firewalls stop intruders from accessing this information and protect the business from cyber attacks. If a company wishes to restrict certain websites, IP addresses, or services like Instant Messenger, it can do so using a network firewall.Īside from controlling employee behavior on office equipment, this type of firewall safeguards the sensitive internal data of the company, such as customer databases and employee information. The network firewall monitors the communications occurring between the company computers and outside sources. Network firewalls are typically used by businesses that contain a comprehensive network of multiple computers, servers, and users. There are two types of firewalls: network firewalls and host-based firewalls. These guidelines can be customized to fit any need on just about any device capable of going online.
Generally, a firewall is controlled by an access control list, which has a particular set of guidelines that allow or resist access to specific computer communications. Instead, firewalls are designed to filter threatening communications.įirewalls function using a system of either inclusive or exclusive parameters, allowing specific types of communication in or excluding others. It would actually be more accurate if firewalls were called ‘firefilters’ because they’re not built to keep everything out. It’s not really a wall at all-it’s more like a filter. If you’re already using a firewall to prevent cyber attacks, perhaps learning more about how it works will improve your ability to manage the firewall with greater personalization at home and in the office. Once you learn a little more about firewalls, you might feel more confident about installing one on your home computer, if you haven’t already.
But it’s actually a lot simpler than you might think. Don’t worry-the truth is that most people don’t how a firewall works they just expect it to do its job.