However, the truth is that there are many Linux users who think that it is not necessary to take security measures using Linux. Well, the truth is that according to our point of view they are quite wrong.
What is a Firewall And How It Works?
The firewall is one of the most important protection elements that users have to prevent malware or intruders from entering their computers and networks. It is the first line of defense against viruses, Trojans, spyware, etc. that allows us to limit and block the internet traffic based on a series of basic rules and criteria. Despite its importance in the prevention of infections, it is also implemented as standard in most modern operating systems and even routers and other network devices, as its real usefulness can often be hidden behind the almost always complex terminology used, especially for users who are starting in the world of internet and computer science. However, the truth is that there are many Linux users who think that it is not necessary to take security measures using Linux. Well, the truth is that according to our point of view they are quite wrong. As it is true that there are virtually no viruses in Linux, so if we could say that the use of antivirus today is practically not necessary, but in my view, there are precautions that must be implemented in all operating systems that we use. One of these precautions is to have a firewall enabled and properly configured. Now many of you might be wondering that what a Firewall is, what is it for? Do I need it or not? So, if you are facing this same situation then don’t worry as here in this explanatory post we will simply explain to you everything about Firewall.
What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a software system that simply allows us to manage and filter all incoming and outgoing traffic between 2 networks or computers in the same network. If the incoming or outgoing traffic complies with a series of Rules that we can specify, then the traffic can access or leave our network or computer without any restriction. In case the traffic not complying with the rules the incoming or outgoing traffic will be blocked. Therefore from the definition, we can ensure that with a well-configured firewall we can simply prevent unwanted intrusions in our network and computer as well as block certain type of outgoing traffic from our computer or our network as well.
What does a Firewall serve?
Basically, the function of a firewall is to protect individual computers, servers or networked equipment against unwanted access by intruders who can steal confidential data, lose essential information or even deny services in our network as well. Hence, it is clear that it is highly recommended that everyone should use a firewall for the following reasons:-
Preserve our security and privacy. Protect our home or business network. Protect the information stored in our network, servers or computers. Avoid the intrusions of unwanted users (both hackers and users belonging to our same network) in our network and computer. Avoid possible denial of service attacks.
Hence, all these points simply justified that a properly configured firewall can simply protect us against attacks such as IP address spoofing, Attacks Source Routing, and much more.
How does a Firewall work?
The firewall usually remains at the junction point between 2 networks, where the subnets within our network can have another firewall, and each of the computers can have their own software firewall at the same time. In this way, in case of attacks, we can limit the consequences as we can prevent the damage of one subnet to spread to the other. The first thing that we need to know, is how a firewall works is that all the information and traffic that passes through our router and transmitted between networks is analyzed by each of the firewalls present in our network. If the traffic complies with the rules that have been configured in the firewall, traffic then it can enter or leave our network. And if the traffic does not comply with the rules that have been configured in the firewall then the traffic will be blocked and it will not be able to reach its destination. So, what do you think about this? Simply share all your views and thoughts in the comment section below. And if you liked this post then simply do not forget to share this post with your friends and family.
