While antivirus software helps protect the file system against unwanted programmes, a firewall helps prevent cybercriminals or external threats from gaining access to your system.

Other threats are transmitted from computer to computer without the user being aware of them. These are able to detect a computer with low security settings or unpatched vulnerabilities, and get into that system without the user being aware of what is happening. Many worms and Trojan Horses, often known as 'bots', spread in this way. They use the Internet to locate computers to be infected. The user will never realise that the system has been compromised because the threat enters the computer invisibly.

The firewall monitors all network traffic and has the ability to identify and block unwanted traffic. Since most modern computers are connected to the Internet, cybercriminals have many opportunities to find new victims. They search for other computers on the Internet to determine if they are vulnerable to various types of attacks. When they locate a suitable one, they can compromise it and break into it. They can then make the victim computer perform virtually any activity they wish. Cybercriminals often try to steal information for the purpose of financial fraud. All these activities take place in the background without the user realising what is happening.

Firewall Types

Since the firewall can be software or hardware, firewalls are classified according to two types:

• Host-based Firewall or Software Firewall or Personal Firewall: a programme that is installed on a computer and monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic generated by that specific computer.
• Firewall Newtork-based or Hardware Firewall or Network Firewall: a hardware, i.e. a device typically placed upstream of the LAN, that filters all incoming and outgoing traffic generated by a computer network.

Both types of firewall help prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your computer. However, it is necessary to have both to ensure complete protection.

These devices are often used in small network environments where several computers have to share the same Internet connection. The small routers that many people use in their offices and homes usually have built-in firewalls. If you use a router, make sure it includes a firewall.

Users who are often on the move should always have a client firewall installed on their system. It is certainly not desirable to take risks when you are connected to the Internet away from the office or home.

While antivirus software is a great tool to help ensure your security, the addition of a firewall will be the final touch to keep malicious attackers away for good.

If you are unable to choose the right solution for your business or implement it, contact an Angel who will help you find the right product!