Top 10 Firewall TipsWhat is a Firewall? In simple terms, a firewall is a set of filters and rules (more like a virtual wall) that guards your computer from other computers on the internet.
1. Keep your firewall always turned ONThe first obvious step is to keep the firewall protection always ‘ON’.
If you are doing some specific work like installing a software or troubleshooting, you may temporarily disable your firewall but this practice is not always recommended because it may end up disastrous in case malware are involved.
2. Firewall software/hardware should be secludedYou should protect the firewall from direct attack especially direct attacks when your firewall is a hardware unit.
It means you should not allow communication flow between your firewall and unauthorized sources.
3. Keep your OS updatedUpdating to the latest Operating System software version for your firewall is a must.
4. Well-define your ‘rule base’Keep the rule base simple.
When a packet reaches the firewall it checks against the rule base.
So it is best to place the most accessed rule at the top so that the firewall need not match against all the rules in the rule base.
This would in turn reduce the load on your firewall.
5. Deny the suspicious requests to circumvent your firewallDeny, deny and deny.
This is a rule that should be followed when you are in doubt about the authenticity of the request.
You can always allow the blocked connection later when needed or authenticated.
6. Lock down VPN access
7. Run firewall vulnerability scans regularlyInstill the practice of testing and auditing your firewall for vulnerabilities.
This will help you update your firewall protection as and when required.
8. Block and entire country if under attackEasily block all attacks from a specific country like China
9. Update Firewall regularlyIt is necessary that you keep your firewall software updated to be certain that you have not left any loopholes that would compromise your safety.
Out-dated security softwares are almost useless because attacks on security are progressing and evolving on daily-basis.
10. Monitor user access to firewall settingsIn corporate networks, joint firewalls are commonly used to provide first line of defense to the network but the network owner should keep in check that who has access to firewall’s settings and what type of access it is, as you do not want someone changing the configuration to make them vulnerable intentionally or unintentionally.
With these simple tips you should be able to utilize your firewall easily and effectively. Safe surfing!
What is a Firewall?
A firewall can be programming, equipment, or a blend of both. A decent firewall will keep programmers from getting to a PC. It will likewise keep data from being conveyed from your PC without your insight. It will keep individual data safe. Firewalls don't anticipate infection assaults however in a few circumstances they can prevent infections from sending data from a tainted PC. Firewall for Broadband ConnectionIn the event that you utilize a broadband association with the Internet like DSL or link, you ought to unquestionably get a firewall. Such broadband associations are dependably on shared systems. It is simpler for an interloper to break into your PC in the event that you are utilizing one of these associations. So it is fundamental to have a firewall on a PC that uses DSL or link to unite with the Internet.
Firewall AlertDo you dislike spam? Well, some spammers are currently hijacking individual computers and using them to send out some of that aggravating spam. This can be done completely without your knowledge. This little ploy covers the tracks of the spammer and makes it easier for him to get his message out. A good firewall will alert you when something like this happens so you can keep your computer protected.
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