You may have heard about firewalls at some point but, unlike anti-virus, it’s not immediately obvious what it does. But did you know that firewalls are a really important element of your home and business IT security?
Today we’re going to look at what firewalls are, how they work and why they are such an important element of your IT security.
What is a firewall?
- A firewall is a system that acts as a layer of protection between your network and the wider internet. It filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of rules that are designed to keep you safe. It’s a line of defence when it comes to defending against hackers.
- It works by looking at incoming and outgoing data packets. Data packets are just small chunks of data. The firewall will then judge whether it should allow or block the data packet based on a set of rules.
- If your network or router was a nightclub, the firewall would be the bouncer!
Where are firewalls found?
- Firewalls for home users generally come as a part of anti-virus software products like Norton or Bitdefender.
- Almost all modern home routers come pre-configured with a built-in firewall to help protect against unauthorised attacks against all devices connected to your network including PCs, laptops, Macs, smart devices and anything that connects to the internet.
The main goal of a personal firewall is to protect your personal equipment and private network from malicious attacks and unauthorised access, making them a vital part of your home security.
Got more questions about firewalls and your IT security? Feel free to send us an email at [email protected] or use the contact form below!
Looking to find out how firewalls can boost your business’ security? Click here to read more!