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Introduction To Firewalls

A firewall is hardware or software that protects private networks and computers from unauthorized access. It inspects data packets and determines whether to allow or block traffic based on defined rules. Firewalls can be hardware-based to protect an entire network or software-based to protect a single computer. Software firewalls inspect inbound and outbound data packets and apply rules to allow safe traffic and block dangerous traffic. Personal firewalls can stop hackers, protect personal information, and control program access to the Internet. Examples of personal firewall software include ZoneAlarm, BlackICE Defender, and Norton Personal Firewall.

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Kar Thik
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74 views

Introduction To Firewalls

A firewall is hardware or software that protects private networks and computers from unauthorized access. It inspects data packets and determines whether to allow or block traffic based on defined rules. Firewalls can be hardware-based to protect an entire network or software-based to protect a single computer. Software firewalls inspect inbound and outbound data packets and apply rules to allow safe traffic and block dangerous traffic. Personal firewalls can stop hackers, protect personal information, and control program access to the Internet. Examples of personal firewall software include ZoneAlarm, BlackICE Defender, and Norton Personal Firewall.

Uploaded by

Kar Thik
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Firewalls

TEC 236
What is a Firewall?
• A firewall is hardware, software, or a
combination of both that is used to prevent
unauthorized programs or Internet users
from accessing a private network and/or a
single computer
What is a Firewall?
• A security system that acts as a protective
boundary between a
network and the outside world
• Isolates a computer or network from the
“outside” based on a defined set of rules
– Inspects each individual "packet" of data
as it arrives at either side of the firewall
– Maintains a state table
– Determine whether traffic should be
allowed to pass or be blocked
Rules Determine

WHO ? WHEN ?
WHAT ? HOW ?

My
INTERNE
INTERNE PC

TT

Protected
Firewall Network
Hardware vs. Software Firewalls
• Hardware Firewalls
– Protect an entire network
– Implemented on the router level
– Usually more expensive, harder to configure
• Software Firewalls
– Protect a single computer
– Usually less expensive, easier to configure
How does a software firewall work?
• Inspects each individual “packet” of data
as it arrives at either side of the firewall
• Inbound to or outbound from your
computer
• Determines whether it should be allowed
to pass through or if it should be blocked
Firewall Rules
• Allow – traffic that flows automatically
because it has been deemed as “safe”
(Ex. Meeting Maker, Eudora, etc.)
• Block – traffic that is blocked because it
has been deemed dangerous to your
computer
• Ask – asks the user whether or not the
traffic is allowed to pass through
What a personal firewall can do
• Stop hackers from accessing your
computer
• Protects your personal information
• Blocks “pop up” ads and certain cookies
• Determines which programs can access
the Internet
What a personal firewall cannot do
• Cannot prevent e-mail viruses
– Only an antivirus product with updated
definitions can prevent e-mail viruses
• After setting it initially, you can forget
about it
– The firewall will require periodic updates to
the rulesets and the software itself
Considerations when using
personal firewall software
• If you did not initialize an action and your
firewall picks up something, you should
most likely deny it and investigate it
• It’s a learning process (Ex. Spooler
Subsystem App)
• If you notice you cannot do something you
did prior to the installation, there is a good
chance it might be because of your firewall
Examples of personal firewall
software
• ZoneAlarm <www.zonelabs.com>
• BlackICE Defender
<http://blackice.iss.net>
• Tiny Personal Firewall
<www.tinysoftware.com>
• Norton Personal Firewall
<www.symantec.com>
Windows XP Firewall
• Currently *not* enabled by default
• Enable under Start -> Settings -> Control
Panel
• Select Local Area Connection
• Select the Properties button
• Click the “Advanced” tab
Windows XP firewall
Updates to Windows XP Firewall
• *Will* be enabled in default installations of
Windows XP Service Pack 2
• Ports will be closed except when they are
in use
• Improved user interface for easier
configuration
• Improved application compatibility when
firewall is enabled
Final Notes
• Rule Management
• Default Allow vs. Default Deny
• Firewalls do NOT Solve the Entire Problem

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