Firewalls
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The Internet has made large amounts of information available to the average computer user at home, in business and in education. For many people, having access to this information is no longer just an advantage, it is essential. Yet connecting a private network to the Internet can expose critical or confidential data to malicious attack from anywhere in the world. Users who connect their computers to the Internet must be aware of these dangers, their implications and how to protect their data and their critical systems. Firewalls can protect both individual computers and corporate networks from hostile intrusion from the Internet, but must be understood to be used correctly.
Firewalls provide protection against outside attackers by shielding your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary Internet traffic. Firewalls can be configured to block data from certain locations while allowing the relevant and necessary data through. Firewalls are most commonly seen in corporate and small business environments but in the past couple of years have made their way into our home offices.
Firewalls are offered in two forms: hardware and software. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, the decision to use a firewall is far more important than deciding which type you use...