What is a Firewall? Definition, Functions & Types of Firewall
We will explain what a is firewall, and methods that can be enhanced or implemented into antivirus that secure your machine. You can already use them without being aware of them, but that doesn’t mean you should be concerned and don’t know what they do. and know its functions and types of firewall.
If the computer is permanently connected to the Internet, this risk is even greater. There are many different reasons for connecting the target PC without continuous monitoring, or for not changing or doing so at all times. However, we have a wonderful tool called a Firewall to protect ourselves against the intrusions of those cybercriminals.
What is Firewall
Hardware or firewall is a technology or device that enables us, through 2 networks or computers, to manage and filter out all traffic in and out on the same network.
When traffic entering in or coming out conforms to a list of regulations that we can establish, traffic will be able without any limitation to access and leave our network or device. If the rules are not observed, traffic inbound or outbound is restricted.
We can therefore ensure that with a well-set firewall undesired interference with our network and computer may be avoided and that certain traffic types from our computer/network can be blocked.
How does Firewall work
The firewall is placed at the intersection of the Internet with a computer or computer network. It operates by managing all the information and traffic transferred from one network to the other via the router. If the firewall considers that the data complies with security rules and protocol rules when performing quick analyses, then the firewall will be able to enter the private network; however, if the data does not cooperate with these rules, it blocks the access of that user or unreliable information.
As we have already mentioned, the purpose of a firewall is to record the Internet traffic of a device so as to secure a private computer system by prohibiting unauthorized users from accessing it in order to install theft of confidential data or a virus on the computer. As a result, a firewall mainly helps in protecting the security and privacy of browsers, prevent harmful attacks for a business or home network, and protect information and files.
Firewall Functions
- Create a barrier to access data on your computer or to block it.
- Prevent unwanted users from accessing computers and networks connected to the Internet of your organization.
- Check communication on the Internet between computers and other devices.
- View and block risk-generating applications
- Warning of other computers connection attempts.
- Warn about efforts to link apps connected to other computers on your computer.
- Detect applications to add future information sources and update routes
- Addressing changing safety threats
Types of Firewall
1. Proxy firewall
A proxy firewall acts as a gateway to network communication between internal and external systems. It protects the privacy of the user by covering the identity and location of the client and protects against future threats. The network is protected by a proxy firewall, which analyzes messages in the application layer.
It offers extra features such as content caching and security by blocking direct connections from the external network.
2. Software Firewall
Free firewalls can be found in the large number of firewalls that are accessible nowadays. It can be installed and used on your computer freely or not.
This firewall is Known as a “Software Firewall”
You should actually remember that it’s a fundamental firewall for small homes or offices. However, they can perform their role despite their small structure
These types of firewalls monitor Internet traffic and block it if necessary.
Note that practically every computer has a firewall installed irrespective of the operating systems running on it.
3. Hardware Firewall
It’s clear that a tool requires a certain device when speaking of a hardware firewall.
This type of firewall is usually installed on web-based routers. Thus, the firewall that is built into the device protects all Desktop computers behind that router.
Be aware that most routers are equipped with a firewall.
It should be noted that installing a hardware firewall is generally more complex than installing a software firewall. And it is generally performed by the browser for Internet access.
