Firewalls. The word is heard floating around conversations regarding computer security. We all know about viruses, malware, and anti-virus software, but what role does a firewall play in all this? We're here to clear some of the fog around these technical definitions for you.
What is a firewall?
A firewall is like a strong border around your computer, protecting it from the rest of the internet world. It isolates you from the rest of the internet, using a "wall of code" that inspects all inbound and outbound data that is trying to pass through that wall to or from your computer.
How does it work?
Firewalls simply filter data coming through the internet connection onto your private network through IP address packets. Your firewall gives you access to the internet based on the different "ports" it is configured to connect you to or not. The definition technopedia.com gives is: a network port is a process-specific or an application-specific software construct serving as a communication endpoint, which is used by the Transport Layer protocols of Internet Protocol suite, such as User Diagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
What is the difference between a firewall and an antivirus?
Mainly, a firewall is intended to filter incoming traffic coming onto your computer. Antivirus scans are for malicious software that is already residing on your computer.
How do I acquire a firewall?
Most routers connecting you to the internet will have a firewall built into them. Otherwise, a software firewall can be installed on the computer in your home that has an Internet connection.
As always, if you want any further information on the subject then you can always call and chat. Our number is 855-728-6824.
