Download Firewall

Brooke Thorpe
COSC 101-Section 7
Overview
What is a Firewall?
• System designed to prevent unauthorized access to or
from a private network
• Will check messages entering and leaving and block
those that do not meet the specified security criteria
• Considered the first line of defense in protecting private
information
• Can be Hardware or Software
Common Misconceptions of Firewalls
Firewall Techniques
• Packet Filter
• Accepts or rejects packets based on the rules defined by the user
• Application Gateway
• Security to specific applications
• Circuit-level Gateway
• Applies security mechanisms when a TCP connection is established
• Proxy Server
• Intercepts messages entering and leaving the network
Hardware Firewalls
• Can be a stand-alone product
•
•
•
•
but typically
found in broadband routers
Use packet filtering
Protects the system from the outside
Pros: easy to set up, protect every machine on the local
network
Cons: treats any kind of traffic from the local network to
the internet as safe
Software Firewalls
• Installed on your computer
• Can block or allow a program’s ability to send and receive
data
• Pros: knows what program is trying to access the internet
and if it is malicious or not
• Cons: only protect the machine installed on
Common Firewall Systems
• Cisco
• Work with high end and large enterprise systems
• Very expensive
• NetGear
• Low end hardware security (not recommended)
• Hotbrick
• Good firewall system for reasonable price
• Home offices
• SonicWall
• Good firewall
• Medium to large scale company use
Conclusion
• A firewall is one way you can keep your computer and its
contents safe but should not be your only line of defense
• Firewalls can be hardware or software but often work best
together
• Firewalls use many different types of techniques to keep
information safe
• Installing a firewall is easy and it is also easy to obtain
Bibliography
• "The Differences and Features of Hardware & Software Firewalls - Webopedia.com." Webopedia: Online
Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms and Definitions. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware
_Software/2004/firewall_types.asp>.
•
"Firewall Brands." Ethical Hacking for Beginners. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.computersecurity.cc/firewallbrands.html>.
• "Firewall Debate: Hardware vs. Software." The Online Tech Resource for Small Business Owners and
Managers - Small Business Computing. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/webmaster/article.php/3103431/Firewall-DebateHardware-vs-Software.htm>.
• "Firewall Myths Exposed - Keep Your System and Firewall Secure With the Truth." Find Science &
Technology Articles, Education Lesson Plans, Tech Tips, Computer Hardware & Software Reviews,
News and More at Bright Hub. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.brighthub.com/computing/enterprise-security/articles/8257.aspx>.
• "How to Use the Windows Firewall - YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 05 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDGQY8wv9EY>.
•
"What Is Firewall? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary." Webopedia: Online
Computer Dictionary
for Computer and Internet Terms and Definitions. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/F/firewall.html>.