The Importance of Using a Firewall

In this day and age, it's essential we use all the tools necessary and available to us in order to protect ourselves online from hackers and viruses. The problem with the Internet is that it's a public network i.e. all computers are connected together, so this leads to a big problem, everyone can access any one's computer through the public network. This is where a firewall comes in.
What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a security device which is configured to allow or stop any incoming data connections, therefore it studies the flow of data traffic into your computer and can distinguish most from good and bad when configured properly by a home user or an administrator

Why do we need a Firewall?
A firewall can help protect against numerous different threats, such as hackers will have a great deal more difficulty breaking into your computer if you have a firewall installed. Also afirewall can protect against most viruses, worms and other annoying little leeches from infecting and spreading into your computer. It can also help with unwanted outgoing data

The Problems with a FirewallUnfortunately a firewall alone isn't sufficient enough protection for a computer and does not guarantee complete security. There are a whole host of stuff that can get past your firewall, it could be as simple as the hacker knowing yourpassword, or creating a back door through the firewall. The annoying this is that a large amount of viruses can get through, spam can get through and spyware can get through and installed on your PC without the firewall batting an eyelid. Also hackers can disguise themselves a legitimate data to fool the firewall which could cause huge problems
Where to get firewall software
You get a firewall as standard with windows, but there are many commercial firewall software out there in the shops.

Conclusion
Now that we have discussed the importance of using a firewall, it's vital to remember that although a firewall isn't complete peace of mind and has a lot of vulnerabilities, it is however the first line of defence and should be used in conjunction with other security software, but remember only to use one type of firewall.