Integral Computer Consultants - The Importance of Computer Firewalls

The Importance of Computer Firewalls

September 2008

Without a firewall, a computer can be hijacked in a matter of just a few minutes. Vicious programs are always seeking ways to break into and take over your system. Severe attacks may delete important data, crash your system, spawn new attacks, or even steal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. A firewall can help protect your computer by blocking potentially hostile connection attempts.

A common misconception surrounding firewalls is that they somehow prevent viruses and other malicious code from attacking your computer…nothing could be further from the truth. However, you can make it as close to hacker proof as possible while it is connected to the Internet. The way to do this is to have a personal firewall installed along with anti virus and anti spyware protection. Plus you have to make sure that all three of these are updated on the regular.

There are two forms of firewalls, hardware and software. Each one has advantages and disadvantages but more important is the fact that you have a firewall.

In general, hardware firewalls are easier to install, manage and protect a large number of computers in home or business networks all at once.

If you installed a “broadband router” which allows you to share your high-speed Internet connection with several computers, you have also installed a hardware firewall, which could be all you need if you are a conscientious Internet user.

Even if you only have one computer connected to a high-speed connection, such as a cable modem or DSL, I would highly recommend that you install a broadband router.

Software firewalls can add a second layer of protection, not so much from those that are trying to get in but as a way to alert you whenever a program is trying to access the Internet.

When your computer get’s infected by spyware, adware or identity stealing key loggers, they all try to “phone home” via your Internet connection.

A software firewall will alert you to the fact that a program is trying to access the Internet and block it until you give that program permission to do so.

For those with a technical background, this additional action is fine, but for most average users, this additional level of coverage causes a lot of heartburn (as in your case).

The heartburn comes from not knowing the difference between a valid program (such as your anti-virus, anti-spyware or other security programs) and a rogue program or in your case, how to tell the firewall which programs have permission to access the Internet.

When you first install a software firewall (or if an update resets your permissions), it will stop every access and ask your permission, which tends to drive non-technical folks up a wall.

Another issue to consider is what you do on your local network. If you need to be able to access files and drives from one computer to another on your own network, a software firewall installed on each machine can make that access more complex.

Windows XP and Mac OS X have built-in firewalls. It is important to ensure your firewall is enabled for complete protection.

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