Wall of Defense: Why you need a firewall.

General knowledge on the subject of firewalls is often limited to simply knowing that it’s one of the many types of software that come pre-installed on a computer. On the contrary, a firewall is an integral part of the digital security structure whether it be for an individual computer or the entire network of an enterprise business.

Here are some ways firewalls can help you improve online security.

Prevent Unauthorized Access

In its most basic form, a firewall monitors data sent between the Internet and the device that it resides on. Using specific parameters, the firewall determines whether the data is safe to be allowed to communicate with the computer or network. An absence of this type of defense is an invitation for disaster through various types of malicious software (malware). Known for its nefarious reputation, ransomware tops the list as one of the most common malware to plague a system. In a nutshell, ransomware takes control over a computer and demands financial compensation under duress of withholding important data or releasing it to other malicious sources.

Protection of Personal Information

Users that utilize online transactions such as banking or purchasing can be susceptible to identity theft from hackers or via spyware. Infection via spyware can cause your actions, particularly your keystrokes to be recorded. Most modern firewalls are able to monitor outgoing data which protects your private information and online identity from being transmitted to unknown sources.

Enforced Access to Relevant Sources

There are occasions where an increase in network congestion can be caused by the continual access of Internet sites that are unsuitable for the workplace. Time and finances can be lost in order to pinpoint the source of the issue. Going forward with this knowledge in advance, steps can be taken to avoid this problem. A firewall can be configured as a type of filter to prevent access to web content that is deemed inappropriate for the existing environment.

Over time, firewalls have seen implementation in the hardware category and it’s not uncommon nowadays for the existence of both a hardware and software firewall in a network. It should be noted that under no circumstances should a firewall replace other security software such as anti-viruses and anti-malware software. It works in conjunction with the aforementioned in order to provide as safe of a computing experience as possible.

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