Firewalls-Your First Line of Defense in Computer Security
You wouldn't leave your house unlocked with all of your valuables inside, so why take that chance with your personal computer?
A firewall creates a barrier between your PC and the Internet, a kind of security checkpoint that information and software must pass through before being allowed to enter or exit your computer.
Defend Your Computer Against Online Attacks
A firewall is your first line of defense in protecting your PC, because it helps to make your computer invisible to online attackers and many types of malicious software, such as viruses, worms and Trojans. A firewall can also help to prevent the software on your computer from accepting updates, modifications or downloads from the Internet without your permission.
There are basically three types of firewall:
- Software firewalls
- Hardware routers
- Wireless routers
Which Firewall is Right for You?
Each firewall type has pros and cons, and each is best suited for certain uses. Choosing the right firewall depends on several factors, including how many computers the firewall will be protecting and what kind of operating system you are using.
To learn more about choosing and using firewalls, see What is a Firewall in the Defend Yourself section of the Staysafe Toolbox.
