Firewalls: What They Are And Why You MUST Have One!

A firewall is a system or gateway that prevents unauthorized access to your computer or private network. It is usually the first line of defense in protecting your private information or data. A good firewall will help protect you from malicious attacks of spyware, adware, malware, worms, trojans, and hackers.

Firewalls are security mechanisms that control who can access and send data thru your network or computer. They can be applied to both hardware and software on your computer; many systems use a combination of each for greater protection. All data or messages entering or leaving your computer has to pass thru the firewall, which checks all messages and blocks those that don't meet your specified security criteria or rules.

To put it in simple terms: think of a firewall as a security guard or a security scanner for your computer or network. Anything going in or out must be checked thru this system and must obey your rules!

Of course, this is just a simple explanation, firewalls can be very complex; consisting of a whole combination of techniques that can be used in concert depending on the level of security you wish to achieve.

These firewall techniques may include:

Application gateway -- places security mechanisms on specific applications (FTP, Telnet, etc.)

Packet filters -- examines each packet using your computer and accepts or rejects according to your rules

Circuit-level gateway -- security measures for such connections as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Proxy server -- all messages entering or leaving your network must go thru this proxy server, effective for hiding your true network or computer address

Also, for greater security, many networks use encrypted data.

If you are operating a computer or a server, putting up firewalls will provide protection for your data and information that's passed along your network. If you regularly surf the Internet, placing a firewall on your own personal computer is a must. There is no reason not to have a firewall in place, you can download a free firewall from www.zonealarm.com for your own personal use.

Keep in mind, no system is foolproof; any computer or network hooked up to the Internet can be hacked! Therefore, most people in the know, always keep a back-up of their important data/information on a secure off-line source: floppy disks, CDs, or on a computer that's not connected to the Internet. Do daily or weekly back-ups to make sure your data and programs are safe.

Still, a good firewall will go a long way in protecting yourself from any unauthorized access to your computer. With the occurrences of spyware, adware, and other more invasive scumware increasing daily; putting up a firewall and protecting yourself should be your first line of defense against such unwanted and rude visitors. Nuke them at the gate and save yourself from some major headaches.

Put that firewall up right now!

To learn more about Spyware and Adware Click Here: Spyware Remover Guide

Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins of Internet Marketing Tools.

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

---

Phishing - Learn To Identify It

Phishing: (fish'ing) (n.)This is when someone sends you an email... Read More

Its War I Tell You!

There are ways to insure security though. You can get... Read More

Eliminate Adware and Spyware

Everyone should eliminate spyware and adware from your hard drive... Read More

Instant Messaging ? Expressway for Identity Theft, Trojan Horses, Viruses, and Worms

Never before with Instant Messaging (IM) has a more vital... Read More

A Painless Plagiarism Solution

A crowded marketplace can lead to unethical webmasters using underhand... Read More

What Can Be Done About Spyware And Adware

Having a good Spyware eliminator on your computer is vital... Read More

Phishing, Fraudulent, and Malicious Websites

Whether we like it or not, we are all living... Read More

Viruses and Worms: The Problems and Their Solutions

History and BackgroundThe virus was one of the first ever... Read More

Backup and Save your business!

There you are busily typing away on your PC or... Read More

Free Antivirus Security Software: Download Now to Eliminate Spyware, Pop Up Ads, etc.

Adware. Spyware. Pesky pop up ads. Internet congestion. Computer malfunctions... Read More

How Free Scripts Can Create Security Problems

With the Internet entering our lives in such an explosive... Read More

Dont Fall Victim to Internet Fraud-10 Tips for Safer Surfing

The Internet offers a global marketplace for consumers and businesses.... Read More

New Mass Mailing Spamming Internet Trojan for the Windows Platform

May. 16th 2005 - MicroWorld has reported the discovery of... Read More

Temporary Internet Files - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

A little bit of time invested into learning about internet... Read More

Hacking Threats and Protective Security

The 1998 Data Protection Act was not an extension to,... Read More

Viruses and Worms, Protection from Disaster

Virus damage estimated at $55 billion in 2003. "SINGAPORE -... Read More

Social Engineering: You Have Been A Victim

Monday morning, 6am; the electric rooster is telling you it's... Read More

How To Clean the Spies In Your Computer?

Manual Spy Bot Removal > BookedSpaceBookedSpace is an Internet Explorer... Read More

Identity Theft Article ? A Phisher Is Trying To Steal Your Identity!

Sooner or later everyone with an email account will receive... Read More

Adware and Spyware: The Problems and Their Solutions

The Threat10 years ago you could probably have run no... Read More

How To Prevent Spyware Attacking Your Computer

Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without... Read More

Phishing-Based Scams: A Couple of New Ones

Phishing in its "classic" variant is relatively well-known. Actually, 43.4... Read More

The Truth About Hiding Your Tracks on the Internet

Ok, ok, I know you've seen them. All those pop... Read More

A Personal Experience with Identity Theft

Some months ago, before there was much publicity regarding phishing... Read More

3 Pervasive Phishing Scams

Scams involving email continue to plague consumers across America, indeed... Read More

Password Security and Safety

There is nothing more important that password security in world... Read More

Identity Theft Offline -- So Many Possibilities

Chris Simpson, head of Scotland Yard's computer crime unit was... Read More

Check Out That Privacy Policy

Before you enter your name, address or any other data... Read More

What is Spyware?

The most frustrating part of having Spyware on your computer... Read More

Secure Your PC From Hackers, Viruses, and Trojans

Viruses, Trojans and Spyware: Protecting yourself.No user on the internet... Read More

Be Alert! Others Can Catch Your Money Easily!

So called phishers try to catch the information about the... Read More

Lets Talk About Antivirus Software!

Nowadays more and more people are using a computer. A... Read More

5 Simple Steps to Protect your Digital Downloads

A couple of days ago, I was searching for a... Read More