1. Brooke Thorpe COSC 101-Section 7

2. Overview

3. What is a Firewall? System designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network Will check messages entering and leaving and block those that do not meet the specified security criteria Considered the first line of defense in protecting private information Can be Hardware or Software

4. Common Misconceptions of Firewalls

5. Firewall Techniques Packet Filter Accepts or rejects packets based on the rules defined by the user Application Gateway Security to specific applications Circuit-level Gateway Applies security mechanisms when a TCP connection is established Proxy Server Intercepts messages entering and leaving the network

6. Hardware Firewalls Can be a stand-alone product but typically found in broadband routers Use packet filtering Protects the system from the outside Pros: easy to set up, protect every machine on the local network Cons: treats any kind of traffic from the local network to the internet as safe

7. Software Firewalls Installed on your computer Can block or allow a program’s ability to send and receive data Pros: knows what program is trying to access the internet and if it is malicious or not Cons: only protect the machine installed on

9. Common Firewall Systems Cisco Work with high end and large enterprise systems Very expensive NetGear Low end hardware security (not recommended) Hotbrick Good firewall system for reasonable price Home offices SonicWall Good firewall Medium to large scale company use

10. Conclusion A firewall is one way you can keep your computer and its contents safe but should not be your only line of defense Firewalls can be hardware or software but often work best together Firewalls use many different types of techniques to keep information safe Installing a firewall is easy and it is also easy to obtain

11. Bibliography "The Differences and Features of Hardware & Software Firewalls - Webopedia.com." Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms and Definitions. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.. "Firewall Brands." Ethical Hacking for Beginners. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.. "Firewall Debate: Hardware vs. Software." The Online Tech Resource for Small Business Owners and Managers - Small Business Computing. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.. "Firewall Myths Exposed - Keep Your System and Firewall Secure With the Truth." Find Science & Technology Articles, Education Lesson Plans, Tech Tips, Computer Hardware & Software Reviews, News and More at Bright Hub. Web. 01 Dec. 2011.. "How to Use the Windows Firewall - YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 05 Dec. 2011.. "What Is Firewall? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary." Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms and Definitions. Web. 01 Dec. 2011..