Firewall and How It Can Be Tested

In this world nothing is permanent and even perfect. Eventually a structure no matter how strong can deteriorate over time. Likewise, we can never know how strong a computer system is, against various on line threats unless its firewall is tested first.

To understand fully, we must know a firewall definition by its context. A firewall is simply a program installed in your computer system that gives you that protective shield against internet hackers, phishing websites, email scams, data miners, and many more. Firewalls can be software installed on your computer as well as hardware such as routers have built-in firewalls within them.

In order to test how vulnerable you computer is, you can check on line for websites out there offering free test my firewall services. Just a piece of advice, be wary of websites trying to sell their products more than they care if you are indeed protected or not. Since it is a sensitive test, you are giving a website the ability to gain full access to your computer’s numerous ports of entry. So it is best to use only a trusted Firewall developer. At the end of the test, these websites gives a comprehensive report with recommendations. Some offer their own firewall to counteract your weak computer system. It is also good to have a thorough research if it is suited for you and if it really solves the vulnerability of your system.

Among the test that a test my firewall website can do is to check if your browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, etc.)  security settings are configured correctly or not, to avoid leaving information for hackers to pick up. It can also check how many ports your computer is broadcasting and if your system ports are hidden from unsolicited connections. It is also capable of catching if there are Trojan programs lurking behind your system.

A computer user understanding a firewall definition can help him do all the precautionary measures of avoiding a possible destructive computer attack against the presence or absence of a firewall on his computer system.

 

Posted by acenaph - August 3, 2011 at 7:12 pm

Categories: What Is Firewall   Tags:

The Significance of a Firewall

Today, being the computer age, people put so much significance on the latest of technologies that help in the accomplishment of the day-to-day tasks.  Computers and other gadgetry play a big part in one’s personal life and even in one’s career.  Dealing with computers often exposes one to stuff like the internet, the web, social networking and yes, most often introduces one to firewalls.  So what is firewall, you ask?

You must have heard that every network being set-up, be it of home use or that of a company, uses a system especially designed for the prevention of unauthorized access.  When you speak of firewalls, we speak of a system implemented in both hardware and software.  In simpler terms, firewalls act like securities.

The significance behind to what is firewall is the fact that without it unauthorized internet users are most likely to access your private network connected to the internet.  Since most companies use the intranet, with a firewall installed, messages entering and leaving the intranet is examined as it passes through the firewall thus you can be sure that no message that may be offensive, abusive and obscene will ever get through because it does not meet your set security criteria.

You can find that there are several types of firewall techniques such as Packet Filter, Application Gateway, Circuit-Level Gateway and Proxy Server.  Understanding how each one works could help you choose which would work for your needs and specifications best.  In most cases networks use a combination of two or more of these techniques.

If you want private information protected, you can be assured that firewalls act as your first line of defense.  Offensive websites and potential hackers are also part of the things that you want to avoid and firewalls see you through this.  Truly understanding and realizing what is firewall for you would help keep destructive forces away from you when it comes to your network and your usage of the internet.  It may in fact be likened to the physical or concrete firewall that protects your property from fire that could possible spread and destruct your home from one area to another.


Posted by acenaph - July 20, 2011 at 3:06 am

Categories: What Is Firewall   Tags: