What is a firewall ?

A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and allows or blocks data packets based on a set of security rules. It is responsible for putting up a barrier between your internal network and incoming traffic from external sources such as the internet to block malicious traffic from viruses and hackers. 

There are two types of firewalls : Hardware firewalls and software firewalls, which are installed on an individual computer. 

Hardware firewalls sit on your network and act as a security guard for the entire network while software firewalls do the same thing but only for specific devices on which they are installed. 

Most people opt for software firewalls for their personal homes, but the most effective type of firewall for a business is the hardware firewall . This is because software firewalls have very little security. It is intended for a non-professional audience and therefore simplified in its use and effectiveness. 

As for hardware firewalls integrated directly on the machine, frequently the router. It requires technical skills to configure it. Its integration with network equipment , such as the router, makes it less vulnerable to attacks.

What does a firewall do ?

Firewalls carefully analyze incoming traffic based on predetermined rules and filter traffic from unsecured or suspicious sources to prevent attacks. Firewalls monitor traffic at a computer’s entry point, called a port, which is where information is exchanged with external devices. 

Think of IP addresses as houses, and port numbers as rooms in that house. Only trusted people (source addresses ) are allowed to enter the houser (destination address). There is then further filtering, so that people in the house can only access certain rooms (destination ports) , depending on whether they are the owner, a child or a guest. The homeowner is allowed access to any room (any port) , while children and guests are allowed access to a certain set of rooms (specific ports).  

Its mission also is to control the flow of information between your computer, your network and the internet. To do this, the firewall examines all this information and evaluates whether it complies with its filtering rules. Depending on whether or not it does, access to your computer will be allowed or denied. It is therefore also effective in preventing information theft and other types of intrusion. When located at the perimeter of a network, however, the firewall offers low-level protection. It is important to have an antivirus program as well. 

Firewall’s filtering rules are set by the editor but also by you if you wish to add some. These rules allow the firewall to :

• Select confidential data (credit card codes, passwords etc ) 
• Prevent websites from accessing some of your personal information (email address , country of residence etc) 
• Prohibit the websites you visit from depositing cookies and other elements on your device to track your activity on the internet .

When do you need a firewall ?

You may be asking yourself : when is a firewall necessary ? Does my company need one ? 

A firewall is necessary for any machine that connects to the internet. Not only your computers, but also your web servers, phones , your connected devices or anything else you can think of that can use the internet.

An unprotected device is an easy way to detect intrusions and infections. 

This could allow hackers to take over your computer, install whatever they want, monitor you as you enter sensitive information like banking credentials, or even look at your webcam and listen in via your microphone. 

In the case of a web server, if a hacker gets through, he could deface your website, embed malware that infects your visitors or take down your site entirely . 

Without a firewall, your company , your website and your devices are vulnerable to DDoS attacks, an attack vector that sends thousands and millions of fake packets to overload your server and bring down your website or the internet.

Here’s what a firewall can protect your company from : 

• Intrusions : Firewalls prevent unauthorized users from accessing your computer or server remotely and doing what they want.
• Malware : Attackers who manage to infiltrate can send malware to infect you or your server. Malware can steal personal information , spread to other users, or otherwise damage your computer. 
• Brute force attacks : Attempts by hackers to try hundreds of combinations of logins and passwords to discover your (or other users) administrator login information. 
• DDoS attacks : Firewalls may attempt to detect the influx of fake traffic that occurs during a DDoS attack.

Conclusion

Like all other enterprise IT security measures, firewalls are part of an overall security strategy that companies use to protect themselves from digital dangers. 

Among the most important benefits of purchasing a firewall service is true protection against malware and cyberattacks. This protection system also allows you to restrict the use of the internet to block inappropriate or forbidden content. It effectively monitors your browsing, keeps track of the pages you browse and prevents unauthorized remote access.

At an IT service provider, there are ideal solutions to protect you from today’s digital attacks and prevent cyber threats . One such solution is the managed firewall, which allows you to create a first layer of defense and protect your information and applications.

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