Firewall is a network security system which controls the outgoing and incoming of online traffic and protects the system from unethical sources and access. It works as a barrier between ethical, known users and unethical, fraudulent hackers.

The firewall installed in a PC is one of the most important network security systems that protect the functioning of your computer. It sets certain security rules to the user of the device to ensure there are no security threats.

Basically, it acts like a barrier between the internal computer network and the external unsafe network which is the Internet. Even when you have new software programs installed on your PC, the firewall in your system, as well as the software firewalls, allow you to customize the functioning of this program. This provides you a certain level of control over the protection as well as the functional features of your computer. It is extremely important to have a good and verified software firewall in your PC to ensure that all external attempts to access your secured area are blocked or controlled.

A good firewall system can also help in blocking traffic to certain IP addresses and server ports which is a common practice at workplaces. Certain companies block social media websites during working hours so that it helps increase productivity and efficiency. This is done through the firewall control panel where only the IP address of the work computers are blocked from gaining access to social media sites, porn sites and so on. A lot of companies also control and block the type of access to their corporate websites. They block ‘untrusted traffic’ which is basically intended for other ports. When the source of the traffic is undetected it is usually termed as ‘untrusted’ traffic. Most of the companies these days allow their employees to log onto the internet and network of the company through a secure username and password which is also known as a secure connection. All the settings for this are controlled from the company’s firewall to provide a virtual private network. This allows the employees to traverse the firewall and go through with the smooth connection to the Internet browsing and send emails, FTP etc.

Firewall also provides extra protection from threats to the secure network by blocking out certain security breaches such as Denial of Services (DOS) attacks. A DOS attack is basically an intruder that is trying to breach the security parameters of the secure network and flood in a lot of traffic to the website which ultimately crashes the server, making it inaccessible to potential customers and users. Post this, the intruder tries to break into the secure network and then moves into other extremely private and protected networks of the company’s private connection. This is how internet hacking is done and all the information of the affected company is leaked on the internet or to rival companies in exchange of lump sum amounts of money. Other types of attacks that a firewall protects are spoof attacks where the intruder is disguised as a trusted source tries to gain access to your network. Here, the firewall checks for the total traffic flows that have anomalies which will help to crack down on an attack.

Therefore, it is extremely crucial to have a good and reputed firewall system installed in your PC. A lot of high-end and reputed antiviruses also provide extended firewall support and protection to the PC but when it comes to secure network of companies, it is important to buy a heavy-duty antivirus and firewall software. You can purchase a good firewall software online or from your local reputed software and PC store.