What is a Firewall Anyway?

What is a firewall? A firewall is a network security device positioned between two different networks, usually between an organization’s internal, trusted network and the Internet (similar to a moat around a castle) Moat- A deep wide ditch, usually filled with water, typically surrounding a fortified medieval town, fortress, or castle as a protection against assault.

What does a Firewall do? A firewall ensures that all communications attempting to cross from one network to the other meet an organization’s security policy. • Firewalls track and control communications, deciding whether to allow, reject or encrypt communications. • In addition to protecting trusted networks from the Internet, firewalls are increasingly being deployed to protect sensitive portions of local area networks and individual PCs.

Why do you need a Firewall? Organizations around the world are embracing the Internet and Internet technologies to forge new and beneficial business relationships Firewalls help organizations balance the openness of the Internet with the need to protect the privacy and integrity of sensitive business communications.

What is Spyware & Adware? They are independent programs that can be automatically installed when you surf throughout the internet or when you install free software.

What is Spyware? Advertising companies uses Spyware to “mine data” to further help them advertise better. Uses your Internet connection and reports statistical data about you and your surfing habits to a 3rd party. Violates your privacy. And it is a completely Legal program!

What is Adware? Adware are created by advertising companies. Comes in the form of pop-ups, unexplained advertising programs on your computer desktop like “Casino Night”. Advertising companies hope to generate money from customers who receive the pop-ups or unexplained programs on their computers Also a Legal program!

How does Spyware/Adware work? Spyware and Adware programs have a tendency to hide as cookie or temporary Internet files Adware startup has the tendency to hide itself in the register keys as normal program.

How to detect you computer has spyware or adware… Continuous pop-ups Persistent change in your homepage Slower computer processing, takes the computer longer to process or startup

Extreme symptoms of spyware or adware Internet browser does not start up. Parts of your computers you cannot access without freezing. Major core data is lost or changed.

What programs are there to help get rid of those programs? Out of many programs out in the Internet that were created to detecting spyware/adware, four programs were chosen for this presentation… They are: Spybot Search and Destroy Ad-aware 6.0 Symanted Anti Virus Spysweeper

Recommendations Preventing spyware and adware from getting onto your computer is your first step! Do not download unnecessary software from the Internet especially free ones because they most likely have adware or spyware inside them. If a download screen appears, asking you to confirm your download, click no if you not trying to install anything. Avoid clicking advertised pop-ups especially ones that mention “free” stuff if possible.

Recommendation Technical Recommendation Some adware/spyware files like to hide in the temporary Internet folders. Disable saving of temporary files by going to Program Filers, control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Internet Options, Temporary Internet Files Settings, Check Never under “Check for New Version of Stored Pages” Constantly delete old temporary files and cookies by going to Program Files, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Internet Options, Delete cookies and Delete Temporary Files Remember though, adware and spyware can be tricky, no matter how cautious you are, there are bound to be adware or spyware programs that install into your computer. Always constantly scan your computer for adware and spyware and keep your adware/spyware killer programs fully updated at all times

Now that you have finished watching the slide show make up a reading strategy with 10 fill in the blank questions 5 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer for your partner to find the answers to if they watch the same power point. Save your questions as 13.2 Internet Security Reading Strategy to your folder and password. Print one copy for your partner to answer an one answer sheet for you to use as an answer key. When you and your partner have finished answering each other’s questions go to http://www.onguardonline.gov/games/overview.aspx and play three games that interest you.

References Justin Leung, What to do w/ Spy ware and Adware, http://www.lbl.gov/cyber/systems/spyware_adware.ppt#257,2,Table of Contents Firehouse Networks, (2009), What is a firewall? http://www.itconsultantschicago.com/techtips3.asp