List/Grid Tag Archives: default

Firewalls are the ultimate security gate to prevent unauthorized access to your computer or web server.  Wikipedia best defines a firewall as “a device or set of devices designed to permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and is frequently used to protect networks from unauthorized access while permitting legitimate communications to pass.” Malevolent viruses and worms that wreak havoc on operating systems have the potential to infect not only your computer, but also hijack it to spread malicious attacks on to contacts in your e-mail address book or other users on the same server.  Fortunately, firewalls act as a cyber filter to allow safe connections and block those with questionable objectives.  As a website owner, it’s imperative to install and maintain a firewall not only to protect your personal data, but also that of anyone else that you interact with online. Windows Firewall Windows users can rest assured that the software giant strives to protect its clients.  Windows Firewall is the default firewall in virtually every version of the popular operating system.  If you’re unsure as to whether or not the firewall is on, complete the following steps to check the status: Click Start Click Control Panel Type firewall in the search box Click Windows Firewall Click Turn Windows Firewall on/off (found on the left pane) Click Turn on Windows Firewall under each network location Click OK The general setting for Windows Firewall should be that it’s on for every network location including home, work, public or domain.  The firewall should also be on for each network connection.  Additionally, the firewall should block every inbound connection with the exception of those you specifically authorize. Free Firewall Software There’s a plethora of firewall and security software readily available for download at no charge to users.  Such downloadable programs include: robust firewall program, security patches, anti-malware, ad blockers, e-mail anti- phishing tools, PC registry cleaners, anti-theft protection and software that unearths the buried “gotchas” in end user license agreements.  Caveat! Users should never install a new firewall without first uninstalling the default firewall.