A firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access

while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices that is configured to

permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and other criteria.

Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software, or a combination of both. Firewalls

are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks
connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass
through the firewall, which inspects each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified
security criteria.

There are several types of firewall techniques:

1.Packet filter: Packet filtering inspects each packet passing through the network and accepts or
rejects it based on user-defined rules. Although difficult to configure, it is fairly effective and mostly
transparent to its users. It is susceptible to IP spoofing.

2.Application gateway: Applies security mechanisms to specific applications, such as FTP and Telnet
servers. This is very effective, but can impose a performance degradation.

3.Circuit-level gateway: Applies security mechanisms when a TCP or UDP connection is established.
Once the connection has been made, packets can flow between the hosts without further checking.

4.Proxy server: Intercepts all messages entering and leaving the network. The proxy server
effectively hides the true network addresses.

History

The term firewall/fireblock originally meant a wall to confine a fire or potential fire within a building;
cf. firewall (construction). Later uses refer to similar structures, such as the metal sheet separating
the engine compartment of a vehicle or aircraft from the passenger compartment.

- The Morris Worm spread itself through multiple vulnerabilities in the machines of the time.
Although it was not malicious in intent, the Morris Worm was the first large scale attack on Internet
security; the online community was neither expecting an attack nor prepared to deal with one.
 - A firewall is a set of related programs, located at a network gateway server, that
protects the resources of a private network from users from other networks. (The term also
implies the security policy that is used with the programs.) An enterprise with an intranet that
allows its workers access to the wider Internet installs a firewall to prevent outsiders from
accessing its own private data resources and for controlling what outside resources its own
users have access to.

Basically, a firewall, working closely with a router program, examines each network packet
to determine whether to forward it toward its destination. A firewall also includes or works
with a proxy server that makes network requests on behalf of workstation users. A firewall is
often installed in a specially designated computer separate from the rest of the network so
that no incoming request can get directly at private network resources.

There are a number of firewall screening methods. A simple one is to screen requests to make
sure they come from acceptable (previously identified) domain name and Internet Protocol
addresses. For mobile users, firewalls allow remote access in to the private network by the
use of secure logon procedures and authentication certificates.

A number of companies make firewall products. Features include logging and reporting,
automatic alarms at given thresholds of attack, and a graphical user interface for controlling
the firewall.

Computer security borrows this term from firefighting, where it originated. In firefighting, a
firewall is a barrier established to prevent the spread of fire.
A firewall is an essential part of computer security and protection from malicious attacks. The
type of firewall used determines its location on your computer.

Types

1. The most common firewall is Microsoft Windows Firewall, which is pre-installed on all
Windows-based personal computer (PC) systems. Others, third-party firewalls, are
usually installed when you install a security suite, such as Norton, Avast and Eset. Both
kinds of firewalls offer different levels of protection, with third-party firewalls offering more
advanced features.

Microsoft Windows Firewall

2. Microsoft Windows Firewall is a basic firewall with minimal features and, as noted, is
installed on Windows PCs by default. It can be found within the Control Panel on any
Windows PC. Windows Firewall offers different levels of protection and is normally
updated with Windows Update.

Third-Party Firewalls

3. Third-party firewalls can be found by opening the security suite software. With more
advanced features and stronger protection rules, third-party firewalls offer stronger
protection. They are updated when the security or protection suite is updated.

Read more: Where Is My Firewall Located on My Computer? | eHow.com

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