Everyone who has ever used the internet is aware of the term firewall. This word stands for a network security system that is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your network. The way in which it works is quite simple. The system has a certain set of criteria and all those external messages that don’t meet them are not let in. However, a firewall comes in two separate forms – hardware and software firewall. In order to provide maximum security, you will have to use them both. However, in order to understand the reason behind this, you need to learn a thing or two about them. Here are several factors that are bare minimum you need to know about these firewall types.
1. Why you need a firewall
There are many different reasons why you need a firewall. First of all, chances are that you already have a remote control software like TeamViewer installed, which will make remote access by unauthorized parties much simpler to pull off. Other software can also be used in order to penetrate your defenses. To protect your computer from unauthorized remote access, you need a reliable firewall. Other than this, you can also use a firewall to block unsuitable content, making your office into a much safer workplace. You would be surprised to learn just how big of an issue this can be in a 21st-century household or office.
It’s also a fact that computers that run without a firewall have much greater odds of getting infected with ransomware, malware, and even have this becoming a recurring issue. This means that it will become a foreseeable loss but the worst part of it all is just how easily this loss can be prevented. The easiest way to do it is by just opting for one or both of these firewall options.
2. Hardware firewall
A hardware firewall is definitely more reliable of the two. However, the problem with it lies in the fact that it’s a standalone product that not all will have access to. Most commonly, a hardware firewall comes in the form of a broadband router. However, for a business or an individual user, a more comprehensive solution is necessary. There are a lot of companies focusing on creating a reliable firewall appliance that is specifically designed for firewall protection. The reason why you should opt for a professional firewall is due to the fact that this specialized firewall protection solution always comes with a suitable installation and support.
3. Software firewall
A software firewall is much easier to understand, especially since it’s nothing more than a list of applications that are run on your computer, some of which are allowed, while others are not. Depending on the level of access that these programs have, if they try to access data that are restricted from them, the firewall software will not allow them to do so.
In most cases, the user will have a chance to decide whether to allow or forbid this, which is an important thing to bear in mind. This is probably one of the biggest advantages of software firewall, seeing as how it will give you instant feedback and insight into the process that is relevant to the firewall in question. Also, be aware of the fact that a lot of people sometimes allow firewall access without thinking, just so that they can use the program.
4. Is it worth it?
As for the risks of ignoring these two IT safety measures, you need to keep in mind just how much of your personal data you have on your computer. We’re talking about your payment gateways, personal emails and social media accounts. Instead of relying on the ability of the average user (especially if you’re not the only one using the device) to do right at all times, you’ll have an end-to-end system in place in order to control potential damage. This means that no matter how much money you invest in your firewall system, the cost of not doing so is probably going to be substantially greater.
Conclusion
As you can see,
both of these methods of protection have something to offer and for someone who
puts a lot of value on privacy, investing in both is definitely a sensible
choice. Other than this, you need to understand that relying on systems alone
won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to protect yourself. Therefore,
you need to put a lot of emphasis on independent research on this topic, if
you’re to be completely safe.
