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Connecting to the Internet without a firewall is a severe risk to your PC. On the Internet, or any infected network, hackers use malicious code, such as viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses, to try to find unlocked ports on an unprotected computer. Unfortunately due to programming errors in today's software these ports are generally left open to attack. A firewall can help protect your computer against these and other security attacks.
So what can a hacker do? It depends on the nature of the attack. While some are simple nuisances that may play simple pranks, others are created with malicious intent. These more severe strains may attempt to delete information from your computer, crash it, or even steal personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Some hackers enjoy nothing better than breaking into vulnerable computers. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of infection by using a firewall and using other security measures such as software patches and anti-virus software. |
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Firewall BasicsA firewall works by examining information coming from your computer and going to the Internet and examines information coming from the Internet to your computer. It identifies and blocks suspicious activity allowing only authorised traffic. The blocking and authorising of traffic is conrolled by the firewall's "rules". A correctly configured firewall should effectively hide your computer from hackers searching for vulnerable computers.
Software FirewallsSoftware firewalls are probably the best solution for a single computer needing protection. They need to be installed one copy per PC and are usually packaged with anti-virus software. Software firewalls can be extremely useful in networked environments where there is a risk of "internal" attack from unprotected PC and laptops. Software firewalls do not require any extra cabling or hardware to be installed. Windows XP has a built-in software firewall, the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), which may not be enabled by default. See the article later on this page on how to enable the Windows XP Firewall.
Hardware FirewallsHardware firewalls are probably the best choice for a network of computers with a permanent connection to the Internet (or any other external network). They comprise additional cabling and a purpose built hardware platform configured to seperate your internal network of computers from the external network (or Internet). Contact between the internal and external network is governed by a set of rules that allow or deny access from one to the other. They are generally more complex to set up.
Useful Sources1. Buy F-Secure Firewall & Security Software 2. Buy McAfee Anti-Virus & Security Software 3. Microsoft Windows Update 4. Microsoft Office Update 5. Creating Stronger Passwords |
How to turn on the Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP (SP2) 1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 2. Click Network and Internet Connections. 3. Click Network Connections. Tip If you do not see Network and Internet Connections, click Switch to Category View. 4. Highlight a connection that you want to help protect, and then click Change settings of this connection. 5. Click Advanced and then select Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet. 6. Click OK. Important The Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall might prevent you from performing useful tasks, such as sharing files or printers on a network, using instant messaging (IM), or hosting multiplayer computer games. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend using a firewall to help protect your computer. If you turn on the Internet Connection Firewall and find that you can't perform tasks you normally do, read How to Open Ports in the Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall  1. Use an Internet firewall 2. Get regular computer updates 3. Use up-to-date anti-virus software |
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