Firewall Overview

FirewallNetwork firewalls are the software programs that are installed on a dedicated purpose computer or any other embedded systems. Network firewalls make the data authenticity and security within the network of an organization. Typically network firewalls operate at routers and company's gateway server. Working along with the routing algorithms network firewall programs examine or scan all the data carefully. If no viruses or bugs are found the data is forward to the destination. Firewalls to examine workstation's user requests contain a proxy server.

Purpose of Firewalls

Internet

The purpose of a firewall is to stop intruders to hack within systems, databases, or network an organization. For example for an organization allowing its workers to use Internet what can be the most possible threats regarding its data? Viruses and hacking into the systems. Imagine FBI or Banks offering online banking without such firewalls. Therefore firewalls are must to be installed on businesses at industrial scales.

Within Network

Within the network of an organization firewalls offer open access data storage. This data is about company's services and products and is allowed to access by all the company workers. Moreover the data security for authorized personal only is also offered by the sophisticated and complex programmed firewalls. For example the restrictions such as to check the identity or authorized cards and allow access only to a specific site or data can be implemented through a firewall.

Firewall Implementation

Firewalls are usually implemented on a separate server or an embedded system dedicated for security purposes only. This system is separate from the other network in sense that no employee in the network can access it. Only higher-level administrators have access to configure it. Any request for the network service first reaches the firewall system. Then it scans for any virus, bug, or any security threat. If no bug is found the request is passed to the network. But in such set up there is always a chance of virus through the network itself. For example an employee uses a floppy disk with a virus.

Firewall Screening Methods

On software any high level language can implement a firewall. Firewall can be as simple as a user password. And as complex as a bank security. In screening methods most common is to check in the log. If the identity matches in the previously scanned identities allow if not then follow the complete procedure again.

Firewall optional features

Firewalls can be associated with emergency alarms. In case any security threat occurs alarm beeps. Some firewalls also display the reports of log in and log out. A very good technique of implementing firewall is graphical user interface (GUI). This GUI allows the operator ease to configure firewall settings.