Importance of Firewalls and Their Use for Computer Networks
The world of technology is experiencing a lot of rapid developments, but on the other hand there are also some problems related to the security of computer devices. Thus, an effective solution emerged to overcome these problems, namely the use of a firewall.
Perhaps, for some people, of course, have heard the word, especially for users of the Windows operating system. Well, what's interesting about the system, is not only because of the icon in the form of a red brick wall, but the functions or advantages of the system are quite complex.
In this article, we will discuss a little more deeply with regard to firewalls and examples of their application in a computer network device. In addition, we will also review several things related to its types, benefits, and how they work.
{jistoc} $title={Table of Contents}
What is Firewall
By definition, a firewall is a computer network security system capable of protecting against viruses, malware, spam, and other types of attacks. It can also be said that, a firewall is software to prevent access that is considered illegal or unauthorized from a private network (private network).
Thus, the main task of the firewall itself is to monitor and control all incoming or outgoing access to network connections based on predetermined security rules.
However, there are still some people or users who are not aware of this system and tend to ignore the security system on the computer network. In addition, the firewall also has an important role in maintaining the security of traffic on the internet network that is connected to your computer device.
Is Firewall Important?
Is it important to use a firewall? This question will arise when your device has not been significantly affected by a virus or malware. When there is an illegal connection or suspicious traffic enters your computer network device, then the problem will be more complicated and complicated.
Therefore, it is very important for you to continue to activate the initial protection by using a firewall system to prevent unwanted things from happening. The next reason, the existence of a firewall is also very helpful to avoid the practice of data theft, misuse of information, or leakage of company secrets.
Well, all of these things can be solved by implementing a computer security system or better known as cyber security. One of the components in computer security itself is to enable services from the firewall to stay connected at all times.
Functions of the Firewall
There are many advantages and features that users can take advantage of to stay safe in accessing web pages. The following are some of the main functions of implementing a firewall on your device.
1. Protect Data from Hacker Attacks
First, if you frequently access the internet and do not control your traffic activity. So, the greater your chances of being exposed to data hacking by hackers to get important information that you have.
To be able to prevent this from happening, then you need to always activate the protection system from the firewall so that you can still surf the internet comfortably and safely.
2. Able to Block Unwanted Content
Second, the features of the firewall can also be used to block or prohibit a website content from a specific address on your computer device. In addition, you can also set any URL addresses that are not allowed to be accessed on your device.
3. For Bandwidth Monitoring
Third, the firewall also serves to limit and monitor the bandwidth services that can be used. Furthermore, you can also set limits for any content in the form of images, videos, music or other entertainment. You can also determine your own content that matches your interests and desires, for example content in the business and IT fields.
4. Can Access VPN Service
The firewall also facilitates the existence of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature that functions to be able to access various access to content or websites that are blocked by the provider. This of course can increase productivity and the data sharing system that will be implemented.
Types of Firewalls
There are at least four types of firewalls, including the following.
1. Next Generation Firewall
The first type is often claimed to be a form of today's firewall . Where, for the next generation firewall, it is divided into three main features, namely checking packet details , evaluating packet sources, and determining packet identity assessment.
When viewed from the perspective of form, this type of firewall is divided into, namely hardware, software, and cloud.
2. Packet Filtering Firewall
The second type is the packet filtering firewall, which is the most senior type than the other types. The working process of this type is by checking the system package.
The checking process carried out includes validating IP addresses, port numbers , types, and other requirements. The advantage of this type is that it is light and does not have much effect on the performance of the system.
3. Proxy Firewall
Proxy firewalls are often also called application-level gateways that work by processing the source value of the packet and its contents. This will later appear the difference when you use a proxy firewall.
4. Stateful Inspection Firewall
The last type is a stateful inspection firewall, where the main function is to check the packet source and open the contents of the packet. If you use this system, it can automatically increase the level of security, but can reduce the performance of your computer.
Benefits
Next, enter the discussion about the benefits of implementing a firewall for network security for your computer system.
1. Protecting Computers from Illegal Remote Access
The first benefit, can protect and prevent illegal remote access practices that can be done by a hacker. For example, the cursor of your mouse can suddenly move by itself. Of course this can happen with the aim of hacking your personal information or data.
With the protection from the firewall, this can be anticipated by applying the correct OS configuration. Also, it can disable remote desktop access control carried out by hackers on your computer device.
2. Becoming a Safer Online Game Application
Next, for those of you who like to play online gaming , of course, it will be very worrying if while playing a malware or a message appears on the computer there is a virus.
Therefore, with a firewall, it can prevent this from happening and can be blocked quickly and accurately.
3. Can Block Linked Messages
On the internet also can occur various possibilities that are not desired by the user . Of course, the internet also has the opportunity to appear malware that passes through the virtual world. With a firewall , it can prevent this from spreading and having a bad impact on the health of your device.
How it Works to Protect Computer Devices
The firewall itself is divided into three methods to be able to control data traffic entering and leaving the network, including the following.
1. Perform Package Filtering
In the method using a packet of small pieces of data which will be analyzed against a set of filters. Next, packets that have gone through the incoming filter stage will be sent to the requested system. And for the other packages will be discarded.
2. Proxy Service
The next method approach is through a proxy , where information on the internet will be retrieved by the firewall which will then be sent to the requested system. And vice versa, so that there will be a continuous process in accordance with the applied proxy service.
3. Carry out a Stateful Inspection
The latter method is fairly new, where the system will compare certain key parts of the packet with a trusted information database. Where, the information from the firewall will determine the specific characteristics that will produce a reasonable match.
Conclusion
- Firewall is a computer network security system to help prevent the threat of illegal access from outside connections.
- The types of firewalls consist of, next generation, proxy, packet filtering, and stateful inspection.
- It is very important to always maintain full computer security by using a firewall system when you access the internet and deal directly with cyberspace.
0Comments
Post a Comment