What is a Firewall?
As
the names indicate, firewalls work as barriers or security layers
between your system and the threats of the cyber world. A firewall is a type of
hardware and software that prevents unauthorized network access, and it
examines data flow using a set of rules to detect and prevent threats.
Why do we need a Firewall?
Firewalls
are used to protect against network-based attacks and can also aid in
preventing application-layer threats. So here, let’s discuss some of the
benefits of using the firewall in a corporate and consumer environment.
1. It prevents unauthorized control access
One of the worst things in-network is when unauthorized users access your system. And, of course, we don't want any unauthorized access to control or seize our data. So to prevent these kinds of unauthorized access, we need to configure a firewall to prevent attackers from taking unauthorized access.
2. Prevent DoS Attacks
A firewall is one of the resources available to protect against DoS attacks, remote access, and malicious macros.
3. It protects old PCs and systems
Despite the fact that Windows XP and Windows 7 were released in 2001 and 2009, some individuals continue to use them. Firewalls safeguard these computers from viruses spread by cybercriminals on the network.
4. It makes online games safer
One of the teenager’s most prominent streaming activities is gaming, which poses a significant security risk. Before you begin playing online games, it is always good to have a firewall turned on.
5. It blocks unsuitable or immoral content
Firewalls prevent suspicious activity and viruses, prohibiting inappropriate and unethical information, such as adult websites.
6. It may be hardware or software
As we all know, a firewall does not always contain software; nonetheless, most homes have hardware-software incorporated into the router. Hardware firewalls are installed on physical systems or devices based on the customer's needs and suitability.
Type of Firewall
When it comes to firewall types, there are four primary groups based on how they filter data.
- A packet-filtering firewall examines the packets in isolation when it doesn't know the context of the packet.
- A stateful inspection firewall checks network traffic to see if one packet is connected to another.
- A proxy firewall determines packets at the application layer of the OSI model
- A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) merges organizational firewall features with an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and application control using a multilayered approach.
Final Words
In network security, the concept of a firewall is relatively broad. If you want to learn more about firewalls, check out InfosecTrain's Network Security training course.
