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.

---

Don?t Become An Identity Fraud Statistic!

"You've just won a fabulous vacation or prize package! Now,... Read More

Identity Theft - Dont Blame The Internet

Identity theft ? also known as ID theft, identity fraud... Read More

The Truth About Hiding Your Tracks on the Internet

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

New Mass Mailing Spamming Internet Trojan for the Windows Platform

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

Phishing - Learn To Identify It

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

Can I Guess Your Password?

We all know that it's dangerous to use the same... Read More

With the Rise of Internet Crimes, Users are Turning to High-Tech ?PI?s? for Solutions

High-tech private investigators are becoming the answer for many Internet... Read More

From Spyware with Love!

It's late. You've been scouring the web for that perfect... Read More

Identity Theft Offline -- So Many Possibilities

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

A Basic Introduction To Spyware

Spyware is the most troublesome software to appear on the... Read More

Internet Shopping - How Safe Is It?

Millions of people make purchases online, but many people are... Read More

Money Mule Email Scam Hits U.S.

Imagine this ? you open up your email box and... Read More

HackAttack

P C. owners are constantly at risk from attacks by... Read More

What to Look for before You Purchase Spyware Software

Huge number of spyware software applications are available in the... Read More

Internet Small Business and Fraud

Be careful of sites that promise to send you "instant... Read More

Protecting Your Identity On The Internet

Afraid that someone is monitoring your PC or installed a... Read More

What Every Internet Marketer Should Know About Spyware

If you run any type of Internet business, Adware and... Read More

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

A firewall is a system or gateway that prevents unauthorized... Read More

Identity Theft ? Beware of Phishing Attacks!

"Dear Bank of the West customer", the message begins. I've... Read More

SPYWARE - Whos Watching Who?

I am in the midst of Oscar Wilde's The Picture... Read More

Just Whos Computer is this Anyway?

Well, this is an article I never thought I would... Read More

Technology and Techniques Used in Industrial Espionage

Industrial Espionage. These methodologies are being used on a daily... Read More

Its Time to Sing the Encryption Song - Again!

Yes, I'm wearing my encryption hat again. Why you may... Read More

Remove Rogue Desktop Icons Created By Spyware

If you have used a Windows machine for a while,... Read More

Its War I Tell You!

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

Is Your Email Private? Part 1 of 3

In a word, no - an email message has always... Read More

Social Engineering - The Real E-Terrorism?

One evening, during the graveyard shift, an AOL technical support... Read More

Top 10 tips for Safe Internet Shopping

Over £5 billion pounds was spent on online shopping in... Read More

IPv6 - Next Step In IP Security

IPv6, IntroductionThe high rate at wich the internet continualy evolves... Read More

How To Give Away Your Personal Information

Identity Theft and Your Personal Information Identity theft is... 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

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