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Computer Attack: Do You Need a Firewall?
Computer viruses, hackers,
worms, spam, spyware, adware – isn’t a computer safe anymore? The sad
fact is that any computer linked
to the outside world via a network or an internet connection can be
attacked.
The computers in your business
must all be considered a potential target and need to be protected
accordingly.
When your computer is connected to the internet it is accessible to
other computers. It’s the same as when you visit a website – you’re
using your computer to visit the computer hosting the site. If there’s
goodwill on both sides there’s no harm done. But if one of the parties
wants to annoy, sell to or even steal from the other party it’s all
possible.
Hackers Have it Too Easy
A few years ago only banks, businesses, and government facilities had
firewalls protecting their computer systems. Unfortunately in today’s
computer world, there are a lot of twisted people known as hackers using
their sometimes considerable abilities to access information on other
people’s computers.
Hackers have a hobby that can best be described as breaking into other
people's computers. There are actually software programs that will help
them search for unprotected computers that are connected to the
Internet. These enable a hacker to scan internet addresses at random and
target those which are identified.
Their targets were once just large institutions, but today’s hackers
cover the entire spectrum including small businesses and home computer
users. It’s a game for them and you’re “it”.
What Else is Out There?
It’s not only the hackers you need to be wary of. There are programs
like spyware and adware that can be hidden in other legitimate-appearing
software that you download from the Internet. These little privacy
invaders can gather personal information about you and send it back to
the sender and you’ll never know about it.
A good firewall will let you know when a transfer of information that
you have not initiated is attempted, and will prevent spyware and adware
from doing their jobs.
What is a Firewall?
In simplest terms a firewall is software that protects the data on your
computer from unauthorized access by someone who traces your internet
connection back to your computer. A firewall gives protection from
hackers and other intruders and can prevent unauthorized access from
your computer to a network.
A firewall can be software, hardware, or a combination of both. A
firewall will prevent hackers from accessing your computer. It will also
keep information from being sent out by your computer without your
knowledge.
It’s important to recognize that firewalls don't prevent virus attacks.
That’s the job of your anti-virus program. The two work together as a
defensive shield but you really need both to have a good chance of
resisting the attacks of “professional” hackers.
How does a Firewall Work?
All internet communication is accomplished by the exchange of individual
"packets" of data. Packets are the fundamental unit of information flow
across the Internet. Each packet is transmitted by its source computer
toward its destination computer.
A firewall isolates your computer from the Internet using a program that
inspects each individual "packet" of data as it arrives at either side
of the firewall — inbound to or outbound from your computer.
The software monitors allows only known and trusted computers to connect
to your computer. A firewall can also monitor outgoing traffic to stop
malicious programs such as viruses from accessing the Internet and
spreading to other computers.
Where do You get a Firewall?
The easiest way to get a firewall for your computer is to use a software
program that you install just like any other software. Most software
firewalls from major developers prevent unauthorized information from
going out of your computer as well as from going out.
Remember, once you've been compromised, every other network you connect
to is at risk. This includes your home PC, others in the business,
family and friends and even online contacts like the massive computers
at your bank or electricity company.
A good anti-virus program is an essential for every PC and most offices
have some form of protection from such malicious bits of programming.
But it’s not only viruses that can be launched in your direction and
wreak havoc with your hardware and stored data. That’s why your next
software purchase should be a firewall.
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