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 FIREWALLS
What are
firewalls
Firewalls are barriers (hardware or software) to keep destructive
forces away from your property. In this case, the property is your
computer, and the programs and files within.
NOTE: The firewalls on the campus computers have been
turned off as part of the group policy that CTIS has instituted. The
campus computers are protected by firewalls at the points of access
to the Internet (that being the servers on campus). As that is the
case, please do NOT put firewalls on the computers here at the
university!
Why are they
needed
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Firewalls are needed for two basic reasons:
To protect confidential
information from those who do not explicitly need to
access it. To protect our network
and its resources from malicious users and accidents
that originates outside of our network.
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A
firewall protects your network from unwanted Internet
traffic. The primary functions of a firewall are to let good
traffic pass through while "bad" traffic gets blocked. The
most important part of a firewall is its access control
features that distinguish between good and bad traffic. |
How to use
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Enable the firewall by turning on
or installing the software or hardware. |
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Configure the software or hardware
by setting rules. Any good firewall program will have a "Help"
section to help guide you when configuring them. |
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Maintain the firewall by responding
to access requests from network applications on your computer.
This is the most difficult and critical step. However, doing
this will save you time in the future when the applications are
running and need access to the Internet. |
Firewall choices
Firewalls come in several different types. When you are looking
for a firewall to get, you can choose from:
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Stand alone software firewalls (the
most common type) |
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Networking software with firewall
features |
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In-modem/router |
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A hardware router with firewall
features. |
Features to look
for
Every good firewall will have many, if not all, of the features
listed below:
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Automatically blocks intruders and
thieves. |
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Hides your computer from hackers. |
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Automatically detects Internet
attacks, like the CodeRed and Blaster worms. |
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Monitors and regulates all incoming
and outgoing Internet traffic. |
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Gives you the power to decide which
programs connect to the Internet. |
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Shields you from being attacked
through security holes in unpatched software. |
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Prevents confidential information
from being sent without your permission. |
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Blocks banner ads and popup
windows, so you can surf faster. |
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Sets up easily on your home
network. |
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Continues to protect when you
connect your laptop to a different network. |
Firewall programs
to consider using:
When choosing a firewall for your personal computer (not campus
computers, though), the following firewalls are the ones most
commonly used.
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