Security Information |
|
Personal Firewalls for Home Users
What is a Firewall? The term "firewall" illustrates a system that protects a network and the machines on them from various types of attack. Firewalls are geared towards keeping the server up all the time and protecting the entire network. The primary goal of a firewall is to implement a desired security policy; controlling access in both directions through the firewall, and to protect the firewall itself from compromise. It wards off intrusion attempts, Trojans and other malicious attacks. Personal Firewalls: They are meant for the home user in a networked environment. They aim to block simple attacks, unlike the enterprise level firewalls that the corporate world uses at the server or router end. There are many ways to implement a firewall, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. Are they really needed? Nowadays organizations and professionals use Internet technology to establish their online presence and showcase their products and services globally. Their endeavor is to leverage digital technology to make their business work for them. All the organizations and professionals are shifting from Dialup to broadband and getting a fixed IP. It has led to an increase in security attacks, bugs in everyday working. This does not mean that Dialup being anonymous dynamic link or the firewall of the ISP network make you pretty safe. Now if your machine was under attack, you must have wondered what went wrong making your system crash suddenly. So I would rather like to say, it's not necessary for anyone to actually know about you or your IP address to gain access to your system. If you system is infected or prone to intrusions, then beyond the anonymity of your Dialup connection or a dynamic IP, your system can be hacked. Types of Attacks Intrusion: There are many ways to gain unauthorized access to a system. Operating system vulnerabilities, cracked or guessed passwords are some of the more common. Once access is attained, the intruder can send email, tamper with data, or use the system privileges to attack another system. Information Theft and Tampering: Data theft and tampering do not always require that the system be compromised. There have been many bugs with FTP servers that allow attackers to download password files or upload Trojan horses. Service Attacks: Any attack that keeps the intended user from being able to use the services provided by their servers is considered a denial of service attack. There are many types of denial of service attacks, and unfortunately are very difficult to defend against. "Mail bombs" are one example in which an attacker repeatedly sends large mail files in the attempt at filling the server's disk filesystem thus preventing legitimate mail from being received. Types of Attackers Joyrider: Not all attacks on computer systems are malicious. Joyriders are just looking for fun. Your system may be broken into just because it was easy, or to use the machine as a platform to attack others. It may be difficult to detect intrusion on a system that is used for this purpose. If the log files are modified, and if everything appears to be working, you may never know. Vandals: A vandal is malicious. They break in to delete files or crash computer systems either because they don't like you, or because they enjoy destroying things. If a vandal breaks into your computer, you will know about it right away. Vandals may also steal secrets and target your privacy. "In an incident a Trojan was being used to operate the web cam. All the activities being done in the house were being telecasted on the websites." Spies: Spies are out to get secret information. It may be difficult to detect break-ins by spies since they will probably leave no trace if they get what they are looking for. A personal firewall, therefore, is one of the methods you can use to deny such intrusions. How Firewalls work? Firewalls basically work as a filter between your application and network connection. They act as gatekeepers and as per your settings, show a port as open or closed for communication. You can grant rights for different applications to gain access to the internet and also in a reverse manner by blocking outside applications trying to use ports and protocols and preventing attacks. Hence you can block ports that you don't use or even block common ports used by Trojans. Using Firewalls you can also block protocols, so restricting access to NetBIOS will prevent computers on the network from accessing your data. Firewalls often use a combination of ports, protocols, and application level security to give you the desired security. Firewalls are configured to discard packets with particular attributes such as:
Choosing a firewall: Choose the firewalls which have the ability to ward of all intrusion attempts, control applications that can access the internet, preventing the malicious scripts or controls from stealing information or uploading files and prevent Trojans and other backdoor agents from running as servers. The purpose of having a firewall cannot be diminished in order to gain speed. However, secure, high-performance firewalls are required to remove the bottleneck when using high speed Internet connections. The World-Wide-Web makes possible the generation of enormous amounts of traffic at the click of a mouse. Some of the good firewall performers available in the market are below:
Most of these firewalls are free for personal use or offer a free trial period. All the personal firewalls available can't ensure 100% security for your machine. Regular maintenance of the machine is needed for ensuring safety. Some of the tasks advised for maintaining system not prone to intrusions:
About The Author Pawan Bangar,
MORE RESOURCES: US State Department issues worldwide security alert due to potential for attacks on LGBTQ people and events KCCI Des Moines 'Blow the whistle': Indiana's top election official spends $35k on security guide mailings • Indiana Capital Chronicle Indiana Capital Chronicle Violence in New Caledonia subsides slightly as France sends reinforcements for security The Associated Press Canada security intelligence chief warns China can use TikTok to spy on users, CBC reports Reuters.com House Passes Israel Security Assistance Support Act | House Committee on Appropriations - Republicans House Appropriations Israel Resists Grand Bargain as U.S. and Saudis Work on Security Pact The New York Times International Community Meets to Discuss the Future of Nuclear Security International Atomic Energy Agency U.S.-Ukraine Security Entanglement Risks Forever War The American Conservative Security Alert: Worldwide Caution - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia US Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia Palo Alto Networks and IBM to Jointly Provide AI-powered Security Offerings; IBM to Deliver Security Consulting ... IBM Newsroom Now armed with AI, America's adversaries will try to influence election, security officials warn The Associated Press Women are worried about their financial security. That may affect the 2024 presidential election CNBC Sean 'Diddy' Combs Allegedly Paid $50K to Obtain Hotel Security Footage of Cassie Assault: Lawsuit PEOPLE Nuclear security through the eyes of the Co-Presidents of ICONS 2024 International Atomic Energy Agency Security video appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs beating singer Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016 Washington Times Appropriators Lead Israel Security Assistance Support Act | House Committee on Appropriations - Republicans House Appropriations IBM Selling Cloud Security Software to Palo Alto Networks in Broader Cyber Strategy Shift The Wall Street Journal Security footage calls into question Anchorage police account of fatal shooting Alaska Public Media News Security Council Secretary: ‘Not an Inch of Armenian Land Ceded to Azerbaijan’ Armenian News by MassisPost TikTok is a threat to Canadians' data security, CSIS chief warns Bennington Banner Canada Releases Defense Policy Update to Boost Security Department of Defense NATO and Economic Security: A Political Oxymoron or Inevitability? CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies Amazon security guard tries to kill unsuspecting boss before he's shot dead in gunfight with police: 'He almost executed me' New York Post Identity Management and Information Security News for the Week of May 17; Exabeam, Saviynt, VAST Data, and More Solutions Review Fox News Poll: Abortion, economy, and border security are top deal-breakers in 2024 elections Fox News New Survey Finds a Paradox of Confidence in Software Supply Chain Security Security Boulevard Putin has ditched his paranoid security chief. Here are 5 of the wackiest things Nikolai Patrushev has said. POLITICO Europe See cops working security at Tacoma grocery stores? Here’s why and what policies allow Tacoma News Tribune OWASP dep-scan: Open-source security and risk audit tool Help Net Security Opinion | Is TikTok Chinese ownership a U.S. national security issue? Come on. - The Washington Post Opinion | Is TikTok Chinese ownership a U.S. national security issue? Come on. The Washington Post EXCLUSIVE: Two students uncover security bug that could let millions do their laundry for free TechCrunch Endpoint Security and Network Monitoring News for the Week of May 17; Alkira, Preamble, c/side, and More Solutions Review Diddy Physically Assaults Cassie in Never-Before-Seen Hotel Footage Entertainment Tonight UN sexual violence envoy pulls out of Security Council briefing on Hamas hostages The Times of Israel RSA Conference 2024: AI and the Future Of Security Security Boulevard The New U.S. Strategy on Global Health Security Think Global Health Multnomah County Signs $40 Million Contract for Armed and Unarmed Security at County Facilities, Including Public ... Willamette Week An inspector general warned the Justice Department of gaps in its security clearance appeals process Government Executive Fintech giant Flutterwave loses ₦11 billion to security breach Business Insider Africa PKI-Based Passkeys Lead The Way For A Passwordless Future Security Boulevard 7 months since Oct 7, UN Security Council holds first meeting entirely dedicated to Israeli hostages in Gaza All Israel News FCC proposes BGP security measures Network World May 17: IDF fighter jet carries out rare strike on target in West Bank city of Jenin The Times of Israel Votiro Keeps Up the Momentum in 2024 Security Boulevard The Best Home Security Systems of 2024 Security.org The situation concerning Iraq - Security Council, 9628th meeting Welcome to the United Nations JLOTS, an obscure Army-Navy capability, arrives in Gaza NavyTimes.com 'Abnormal' security video, Google Drive led to Stephan Sterns' arrest in Madeline Soto case, documents show WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando Brothers Indicted for Stealing $25 Million of Ethereum in 12 Seconds Security Boulevard Making Safety and Security Intrinsic to School Design Campus Security Today Cybersecurity Insights with Contrast CISO David Lindner | 5/17/24 Security Boulevard The Dell API Breach: It could have been prevented Security Boulevard Yemeni security forces deploy in Aden as anger simmers over lengthy power outages The Associated Press U.S. Security Cooperation with Ukraine - United States Department of State Department of State Belgium cuts off ticket sales for soccer match against Israel over ‘security concerns’ The Times of Israel |
RELATED ARTICLES
Spyware - Your Web Browser is the Culprit! My first experience with a spyware BHO based infection was several months ago. I had gone through all of the usual steps with the client's machine to clean it. Corporate Security for Your Home Business The words Corporate Security may conjure up images of a group of techies working in a wire-filled basement room of Microsoft or HP, combating hackers and terrorists online using words like algorithm and encryption. If you own your own business, do not allow yourself to think that security is only for big corporations. Remove Rogue Desktop Icons Created By Spyware If you have used a Windows machine for a while, whether it's Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, you're sure to have noticed desktop icons appearing from out of nowhere. How can icons mysteriously emerge on your Windows desktop?1. Is Adware - Spyware Putting Your Privacy at Risk Do you sometimes notice your computer running slower. Is your computer acting strange almost like its possessed? Well, it just may be plagued with Spyware. Online Shoppers, Beware of a New Scam Beware of a New Scam Aimed at Bargain-HuntersTrying to buy something cheap is absolutely natural--and online crooks set traps for unwitting bargain-hunters. On April 6 Panda Software warned Internet users of a new particularly brazen scam aimed at stealing confidential information. The Attack of the Advertiser - Spy Mother Spy The menacing campaigns that drive the corporate spyware and adware market is developing way out of hand. Who are these companies and how do they get away with it? They are costing computer users millions with their sneakware system of promotional crap!We have some serious problems. Can I Guess Your Password? We all know that it's dangerous to use the same password for more than one program. If you sign up for a program run by someone of low moral fibre, what is to stop them running through various programs with your username and password to see what they can access? But of course remembering all the different passwords can be a headache. Top 10 tips for Safe Internet Shopping Over £5 billion pounds was spent on online shopping in 2004. The Internet was the fastest growing retail sector last year, attracting one in four shoppers. All About Computer Viruses Your computer is as slow as molasses. Your mouse freezes every 15 minutes, and that Microsoft Word program just won't seem to open. Free Antivirus Security Software: Download Now to Eliminate Spyware, Pop Up Ads, etc. Adware. Spyware. Spyware Removal Spyware SolutionProbably Today's Biggest Computer Problem.You Suffer Without Knowing Your PC is Infected!"The effects can be devastating. Email Hoaxes, Urban Legends, Scams, Spams, And Other CyberJunk The trash folder in my main inbox hit 4000 today. Since I never throw anything out, I know that what's in there is courtesy of my email filter which is set to automatically delete anything that is forwarded from my work account from a certain person. The Bad Guys Are Phishing For Your Personal Information Do you know what "phishing" is?No, it doesn't mean you grab a pole and head to the late to catchsome phish.The official Webopedia definition of "phishing" is as follows:The act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be anestablished legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the userinto surrendering private information that will be used foridentity theft. Phishing: An Interesting Twist On A Common Scam After Two Security Assessments I Must Be Secure, Right?---------------------------------------Imagine you are the CIO of a national financial institution and you've recently deployed a state of the art online transaction service for your customers. To make sure your company's network perimeter is secure, you executed two external security assessments and penetration tests. Protecting Your Identity On The Internet Afraid that someone is monitoring your PC or installed a keylogger to record every single keystroke? Find out which tools you need to get to make sure you are protected.X-Cleaner Deluxehttp://www. Fishing for Fortunes. Scam! Spelt phishing, but pronounced as above, this despicable act is an effort to batter your bankroll or commandeer your cash.To put it simply, you can get emails from account administrators, which strongly urge you to update details attached to that account. How to Protect Your Child from the Internet When the Internet first came about, it was realized it could be quite the multi-tasking machine. These days people use it for just about everything, from downloading music to checking e-mail, and virtually making the rest of the globe closer all the time. How to Get Rid of New Sobig.F Virus? As you know, this time the virus under the name Sobig.F has wreaked quite havoc! No doubt, many of us have suffered from this recent virus outbreak. How to Prevent Online Identity Theft Identity theft rates one of the fastest growing crimes in mAmerica today and the Internet can make it even easier for some criminals to take your good name and drag it through the mud.Identity theft involves criminals stealing your personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and other information, usually to buy things on credit or to empty out your bank accounts. Ransom Trojan Uses Cryptography for Malicious Purpose Every day millions of people go online to find information, to do business, to have a good time. Alas, some people go there to commit crimes as well. |
home | site map |
© 2006 |