Firewall Protection

A firewall checks every attempt to connect to your computer, blocking those that are clearly harmful, imposing limits on those that are suspect.  You can configure your firewall to accept communication from specific sites, or specific types of sites; you can configure it to explicitly block others.  A firewall is your first line of defense against intruders.

• Check your operating system to verify that your firewall is turned on.
• Firewalls help protect against attacks across any network - the Internet, your home network, and even wireless networks, like at the airport, library, or work.  There are two types of firewalls:
  • Software Firewalls are popular for individual home use.
  • Hardware Firewalls provide a strong degree of protection and are often used by businesses or users with networked computers. These physical devices require a power source and connect directly to a network.
• If you don't have a firewall, install a dedicated, actively managed firewall, especially if they have a broadband or dedicated connection to the Internet, such as DSL or cable. A firewall limits the potential for unauthorized access to a network and computers.
• Use a firewall in conjunction with Antivirus and Anti-Spyware software.