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.
Copyright 2003, RAN ONE Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from www.ranone.com.
Chris’ combination of academic credentials, career experience and temperament ideally suit his calling as a business development advisor. Clients say he has a mind for business and a heart for service.