How Does A Firewall Work?
You have probably heard the term firewall but may have wondered how does a firewall work and why do I need one? A firewall protects your computer by putting up a protective barrier to keep anyone from accessing your files when you are on the Internet.
That's why it's called a firewall because its job is similar to a firewall that keeps a fire from spreading from one area to the next. So how does a firewall work?
Computer firewall software allows good data in but will block all bad data from entering your computer.
Good data is still allowed through such as when you are surfing the Internet, visiting web sites, downloading photos or data files. But bad data, like when hackers try to get in your computer and steal your files is not allowed.
With computer firewall protection enabled everything that is going in and out of your computer is monitored. With the amount of malicious programs on the Internet today it's also a way to prevent spyware and adware from getting into your computer.
Many people mistakenly think that the anti-virus software that came with their computer protects them completely from hackers. While it's important to keep anti-virus software updated for viruses it does nothing to secure your computer against direct hacker attacks.
Whether you have a dial-up, broadband or DSL connection, every minute that your computer is connected to the Internet, it is at risk. Hackers are looking to do you harm and even steal your identity. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes today.
One of the most effective ways to guard your personal information and keep these criminals out is the use of computer firewall protection .
You'll hear the term firewall used a lot in the future because these problems are growing at an alarming rate on the Internet. You'll probably also hear, how does a firewall work and why do I need one? But now you'll know the answer.
