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Firewalls: The Technical Bit

Firewalls: The Technical Bit

Anyone with a broadband connection should know the essentials of firewall technology: what one does, how important it is, and how to get hold of one.

How do I install a firewall and change the settings?

If you opt for a hardware firewall, such as a router with built-in firewall, your security should become active when the device is connected. You may have to enable the firewall separately – check your instructions for details.

If you’re installing firewall software instead, you should be given an installation disc which will take you through a step-by-step installation process. The firewall blocks information passing both ways – from your network to the internet, and from the internet to your network. This means that you may have to enable some specific "ports" in order to use applications like MSN Messenger.

Ports are virtual back doors into a PC, and each computer has about 65,000 of them. Each one opens to allow information to pass back and forth, and the firewall’s job is to keep them closed, so you’ll need to open certain ones so that you can use your computer normally. Once your firewall is in place, it will check any new equipment or software that you install to make sure it’s no threat to your system. All being well, it will open new ports to allow your new programs to work.

How do I protect a wireless network?

To protect your wireless network, your first step should be enabling the built-in firewall in your router, if there is one. There are various encryption methods to choose from, whereby you can secure your network with a password. Without this type of security, in theory someone with a laptop computer could stand outside your house and tap into your home wireless network. As long as you enable the security systems built into your router, you should be safe from amateur hacking methods like this. Some routers will also allow you to select a security measure called "wireless isolation", which will cut your network off from other networks.

For more on wireless security, see Protecting your Wireless Network.