What is firewall in computer networking and benefits of it?
A firewall in computer networking is a security device—either hardware, software, or a combination of both—that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Its primary purpose is to create a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, like the internet, to prevent unauthorized access, cyberattacks, or other malicious activity.
Types of Firewalls:
Packet-Filtering Firewall: Inspects each packet of data transmitted over the network and allows or blocks it based on a set of predefined rules (e.g., source/destination IP, port number).
Stateful Inspection Firewall: Tracks the state of active connections and makes decisions based on the context of the traffic and previous packets.
Proxy Firewall: Acts as an intermediary between the internal network and external servers, handling requests on behalf of the client to ensure additional security.
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW): Incorporates features such as deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and application-level security.
Cloud-Based Firewall: A firewall service hosted in the cloud that can protect cloud infrastructures and on-premise systems from external threats.
Benefits of a Firewall:
Prevents Unauthorized Access: Firewalls block access to unauthorized users, reducing the likelihood of hackers, malware, and other threats infiltrating the network.
Monitors Traffic: Firewalls inspect both incoming and outgoing traffic to identify any unusual activity that might indicate an attack.
Enhances Privacy: Firewalls can help keep sensitive data protected from potential cybercriminals, protecting businesses and individuals from data breaches.
Blocks Malicious Software: Firewalls can block viruses, worms, trojans, and other types of malicious software from entering the network.
Access Control: They can be configured to restrict access to certain websites, services, or applications, enforcing company policies or parental controls.
Logging and Reporting: Firewalls often come with logging features that allow administrators to track attempted attacks, monitor bandwidth usage, and maintain audit trails for security purposes.
Helps with Compliance: For businesses, firewalls help meet security standards and compliance regulations, which are often mandatory in industries like healthcare and finance.
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