Firewalls
A firewall is simply a programme or hardware device that filters all of the information coming through the Internet connection into your private network or computer system. It can be imagined as a wall that stops fire spreading within a building. Any information coming off the Internet and flowing through your firewall will be checked against a set of rules, any bits of data that are flagged as potentially damaging are not allowed through.
No matter how small or large your company is, a firewall is an essential piece of the security jigsaw. Windows operating systems do come with an inbuilt firewall as do most off the shelf anti-virus packages; however, you will need to consider what package will fulfil your security needs. Whilst the firewall that comes with windows will be sufficient for a basic / domestic computer user it may not be enough to protect your business. The firewall in your router is weak. There are a huge range of independent firewalls available on the market to suit your individual needs but you must consider that the increasing grades of security are matched by an increased cost of purchasing one.
Proper configuration of firewalls demands skill from the firewall administrator. It requires considerable understanding of network protocols and of computer security. Unfortunately, small mistakes can render a firewall worthless as a security tool. You may find that the default settings on the firewall are sufficient for your business needs; however, it is always recommended you consult with an expert to ensure you get the best utilisation of your firewall.
