There are various network services that exist, but most of them are integrated into the so-called Firewall. Through this guide we will teach you what a Firewall is , its characteristics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using it. We invite you to learn a little about this outstanding tool that PCs have.
What is a Firewall? Characteristics, Advantages and Disadvantages of Using it
Index( )
- What is a Firewall and what is its name?
- What are its characteristics and different types of Firewall
- Advantages, disadvantages of a Firewall How to activate and deactivate it instantly?
- Advantages of Firewalls
- Disadvantages of Firewalls
What is a Firewall and what is its name?
If you have used a PC, surely you know the term Firewall. It is not for less, because it is a highly relevant system present in a large number of operating systems . Sure, you can turn Windows Firewall on and off, but there are also hardware-level firewalls.
Anyway , what is a Firewall? In short, a Firewall is a security system for networks, in which the movements (traffic) that passes through said network are evaluated. It could be said that a Firewall is a kind of wall that appears to indicate that a connection may be dangerous.
The name makes a lot of sense, since Firewall in English could be translated as “wall of fire” and that is the purpose of this tool. In fact, the term Firewall is born within the jargon of firefighters, who used the word Firewall to refer to a wall whose purpose was to contain the fire so that it would not continue to expand .
What are its characteristics and different types of Firewall
There are several types of Firewall, however, we can categorize them into three essential types , which in turn represent the three existing generations of Firewall. Still, keep in mind that while a Firewall can help with security, it can’t always detect and remove a Ransomware virus from your computer.
Packet filter / network firewall, this packet filter represents the oldest type of Firewall, since it was created in 1987 and, as its name indicates, the objective is to inspect all the packets that move through the computers of a network. . Its operation is relatively simple, the Firewall has an access list for those elements that will be exchanged on the network.
Connection Tracking/State Firewall: It comes out around the year 1989 and is very similar to packet filtering. In any case, specific aspects of the IP addresses that exchange data are also taken into account , which substantially extends the security.
This system evaluates where each of the packets is located within the clusters sent. Putting together the technologies of the old type of Firewall and these slight, but significant changes, you get a more outstanding security .
For the year 1993, the proposal to create a Firewall focused on applications was born. The purpose of this type of firewall is to understand the protocols of certain applications. To cite an example, this type of Firewall includes information exchange protocols as important as FTP, DNS or HTTP (essential for the Internet).
The objective of this type of Firewall is for the tool to understand when packets or information that has nothing to do with application protocols are being sent. In this way, it can be more easily understood if the information sent contains any malicious component.
Advantages, disadvantages of a Firewall How to activate and deactivate it instantly?
Undoubtedly , activating the Microsoft Defender Firewall on your computer is highly recommended to protect your computer . Even so, it is essential to bear in mind that Firewalls have advantageous aspects, but also some disadvantages.
Advantages of Firewalls
- Shield the security of the information that moves through the network.
- It is a protection measure against the entry of hackers.
- It is one of the main defensive barriers against malicious software(viruses).
Disadvantages of Firewalls
- In some cases , the speed of the connection may be reduced .
- New viruses are capable of eluding certain Firewalls, mainly those that hide within the software of our computers.
- It does not replace antivirus software, in fact, it is essential to install a free or paid antivirus to better protect your computer.
- When we talk about Firewall at the hardware level, it can be quite expensive.