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The use of a firewall to prevent malicious access into a network or a computer in a network is designed to be very effective. The ability to block certain IP’s, applications, or even data packets, should be able to minimize attacks to over, I’d say, 80% of the time. But this is true on a condition.
When is a firewall effective? A firewall should be primed for each unique specific needs of a network, which is determined by the nature of the data communications (or internet access) that is required by the users or that is allowed by the network administrator. Without this basic conditions being met, a firewall will fall to a “default-allow” set of rules, which in turn will render the firewall somewhat useless. The best settings for a firewall to act effectively as part of a network security software, is to apply a “default-deny” ruleset, and apply exceptions for specific IP’s, applications, access types or confirmations, based on a widest range that the company would interact with the internet. Better yet, apply the “default-deny” ruleset and add those exceptions based on a daily needs of the network users. A specialized computer security maintenance officer responsible for intelligent-“allow-rule”-supervision would probably be the ultimate security that a firewall system could achieve.
Why is it not effective? Drawbacks are these: Not every business really cares that much as to implement the “default-deny” ruleset and risking having to add additional exceptions later on because of a single user complaining not being able to use some internet resources, let alone to add exceptions based on a daily basis. They usually just “install and run”, or “fire and forget” we might say. This matter is not attributed to an “uninformed” system administrator, most of the time, but probably because of a common practice and the effect of commercial jargons that avoid revealing the slightest complexity of their product’s effective implementation upon purchase.
How can we make it better on our own system? Getting the best brand on the market might sound like a good solution. But that’s not enough. We need to gain our knowledge more about a little of networking, a little about computer security, and of course, a little about network firewall. We need to do at least a little priming right after the installation. That’s why I wrote things about Zone Alarm Free Firewall, how to install and prime it for our personal use. I also made a video guide on it, so first-time users, or even fire-and-forget users can benefit from it.
With this care and preparation, when the firewall works the best, we can just relax and enjoy the day. An effort is always fruitful, after all, you deserve it, don’t you think?
The most important thing! Probably the most important thing in the world in achieving high goals, (including this network computer security thing), is ACTION. So, what’s the problem? Let’s do it, and enjoy a more secure networking and internet!
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About The Author Do It Yourself on Computer Security – Dedicated on improving personal cope in Computer Security and Antivirus Protection. Conservative and unbiased views on best practice in Computer Security Software.
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