What is Firewall- Definition, Types & Uses

Firewall, What is Firewall, Definition of Firewall, Types of Firewall, Uses of Firewall, How does Firewall work

Today we are going to talk about What is Firewall? Whenever we human do any small work or big work we always keep one thing in mind that is “security”. For example people already save money for their future, so that later when they need money they will be no need to reach out to anyone. For the safety of their children, parents stay with them at every step. Bodyguards are kept for the protection of big celebrities and ministers. Law has been made for the safety of the people living in every country. Everyday the brave soldiers of our country lay down their lives on the border for the safety of all of us.

The life of human beings is in one way or the other under a security circle, because of which we are breathing sigh of relief. In the same way the computer also needs a security so that it can be kept safe from virus and malware and all the data kept in the computer cannot be touched by any other unknown person. The name of that protection is “Firewall”. Those who use computer and internet more, they must have heard the name of Firewall. Today I am going to tell you about this system.

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What is Firewall?

It is a computer security system that protects all types of computers and their networks from intruders, hackers and malware. Firewall protects our computer from aggressive software that secretly enters our computers and transmits all the personal details to the hackers who send that software, which takes a lot from advantage of it. It is a kind of security plan which either remains as a software program or as a hardware device, so whenever our computer connects to the internet, then this Firewall prevents the traffic coming towards our computer. As an example let me tell you that whenever we go to any website using internet in computer or what some videos and download them as well or apart from all this anything doing on the Internet, if you are working then whatever traffic is coming towards our computer the firewall stops it.

It built a wall all around in the network of our computer so that no unwanted software gets installed in the computer automatically or no unwanted files come in the computer, due to which virus attacks on the computer and that delete all the data. It gives space to only those things which we are allow users to come, apart from this no malware or viruses allowed to come inside our system. In the same way if virus is already present in our computer and many computers in a room are connected together in a network, even then the firewall prevents the virus of one computers from going to other computers. This means that firewall for protection from both sides.

What do you understand by Firewall?

It is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on redefined security rules. A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network such as the Internet.

Types of Firewall

It is of two types- Hardware and Software.

1. Hardware Firewall

Hardware Firewall is already present in all Routers nowadays, whose work is to prevent virus from going from one computer to another. For example, supposed 10 computers in a room are connected to the same network and their Firewall is enabled in the router or modem that is being used, then Firewall automatically starts working in all the computers that are connected with that router. Whenever any work is done on the internet through computers, then their Firewall keeps the computer safe from virus and malware.

Every request that comes out from the computer comes out in the form of a data packet and the ID of the network is also a attached to it, so whenever a reply to that request comes from the server, the same network ID comes associated with that packet. The Firewall gets to know that data is correct. Apart from this, if any other packet tries to enter inside with that packet, then the firewall stops it outside. The second job of this system is that if a virus enters a computer from anywhere, then that virus cannot escape from that computer and reach another computer, the firewall also takes care of it well.

2. Software Firewall

It is already inbuilt in a new generations of Windows Operating System like Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista XP etc. and it remains “on” by default so that the computer can be completely secure. If you want, you can also change it according to your need by looking at its setting in computers. Apart from this many anti-virus are also present in the internet like Avast, McAfee, Norton, Quick Heal etc. The work of Firewall is the same in all of them.

Whenever we install new software or games in our computers, a pop up box appears in our computer, in which firewall asks for permission from the user whether you want to install this program in your computer because Windows firewall has blocked this program. So if we want, we can install the program by ticking that option. Software firewall work in the computer in a similar way and keep our personal data safe from hackers and viruses.

How does Firewall work?

It acts like a filter between your computer network and the internet. You can program what you want to get out and what you want to get in and nothing else will be allowed. Firewalls can be used in a number of ways to add security to your home or business. Firewall also allows only authorized and data packets going according to the rules made in that Network and maintains network security by preventing unauthorized access. Thus Firewall acts like a barrier.

What have you learn today?

Whether it is hardware or software, it is very important to use firewall in computers because there are many malicious sites on the Internet that can steal data by entering our computers. I hope you know what is firewall? and why is it important? and also you must have understood it. If you have not used it in your computer till now then definitely do it and keep your computer safe.

FAQ

1. Who prevents unauthorized access to computer system?
Ans. Firewall prevents unauthorized access to the computer system.

2. What is the main function of Firewall?
Ans. The main function of a firewall is to prevent unauthorized data packets from entering private networks by filtering incoming data packets from the public Internet.

3. Can Firewall exist as Hardware and Software?
Ans. It can be Hardware or Software or a combination of both.

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