In the current digital age, when the internet has become an indispensable component of our everyday life, the number of cyber dangers is significantly growing at an alarming rate. Hackers, viruses, malware, data theft, and unauthorized access are only some of the problems that have emerged as significant obstacles for every person, organization, and government. A security firewall is a powerful defensive wall that acts as a gatekeeper in the digital world. It is used in instances like these to provide a robust barrier against unauthorized access.
A firewall not only determines which data enters and which leaves the network but also ensures that no suspicious or malicious activity can affect the network.
What is a security firewall?
A security firewall is a kind of security system that establishes a strong barrier between a trusted network or device and an external network that is not trusted, such as the Internet. The word used to describe this type of security system is a security firewall.
It carefully examines all inbound and outbound data packets, analyzes them according to predefined security rules, and then decides whether to allow, block, or modify the data.
A firewall is accountable for the following, to explain it more simply:
- Who can come in
- Who can go out
- What data is safe
- And what is dangerous
Firewall as a digital gatekeeper
A firewall is a security system that acts as a protective barrier between a network and the Internet. The system checks all the data going into and out of the network and decides which data should be allowed to join and which should be blocked based on the security rules that were set up front. A firewall is a security measure that prevents hackers, bugs, and unauthorised users from accessing a network.
Just as a gatekeeper at the entrance to a building checks every person entering, a firewall also plays the role of a gatekeeper in the digital world. It allows only authorized, safe data to enter while blocking suspicious or harmful data, thereby ensuring network and information security.
Key Functions as a Gatekeeper
1)-Traffic Inspection
The inspection of all data that is entering and leaving a network is the primary function of a firewall, and it is also the most crucial function. Data that travels over the Internet is in small pieces called data packets. The firewall checks each packet to see where the data is coming from and where it is going.
As a result of this inspection process, the firewall can rapidly identify data that is potentially dangerous, undesirable, or suspicious. The firewall prevents the packet from accessing the network if it breaches the security rules, so ensuring that the network remains secure.
2)-Enforcement of rules
A firewall operates under specific security rules that are set by the network administrator. These rules include deciding which traffic to allow and which to block. These rules are based on IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols.
A check is performed by the firewall against these rules whenever data is introduced into the network. The data is allowed to flow through if it satisfies the criteria that have been established; otherwise, it is stopped, which reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.
3)-Access control
A firewall also has an important role in controlling access to users and systems. It determines which user or device can access which service or website. This can block unnecessary or unsafe websites.
Organizations keep their networks organized through access control. This not only improves security but also prevents employees from misusing the Internet, which improves network performance.
4)-Risk prevention
A firewall plays an important role in preventing various types of cyber threats such as viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. It identifies suspicious activities and blocks them immediately so that the network is not damaged.
Under this duty, a firewall constantly monitors the network. As soon as any unusual or dangerous activity is detected, the firewall blocks it and secures the network and data.
5)-Outgoing Control
A firewall monitors not only the data coming in but also the data going out of the network. This ensures that no sensitive or confidential information is being unintentionally leaked.
With the help of outgoing control, a firewall can prevent the leakage of suspicious data if a system is hacked. This way, the organization’s data remains secure, and the damage from cyber-attacks can be reduced.
How does a firewall work?
To understand the working of a firewall, an example of a nightclub is given, in which each part has a specific role. This example makes the entire firewall process simple and clear.
1)-Firewall (gatekeeper)
A firewall is like a gatekeeper at the door that watches everyone coming and going. It decides which data is allowed to enter the network and which is not. In this way, the firewall protects the network from unnecessary and dangerous traffic.
2)-Network (club)
A network is like a club where only authorized people are allowed to enter. A firewall protects the network and keeps it safe from external threats. The network does not allow any data to enter without first acquiring authorization from the appropriate authorities.
3)-Data packets (people)
Data packets are like people who want to enter a club. Each data packet comes with its own identity, which the firewall checks. In the event that the data packet is secure, it will be permitted to enter.
4)-Rules (Guest List)
Rules are like guest lists and rules that must be followed. The firewall uses these rules to decide what data is acceptable. If data does not meet these rules, it is blocked.
5)-Authorized traffic (valid people)
Data that meets all the rules of the firewall is allowed to enter the network. This data is considered safe and does not pose any threat to the system. In this way, the network continues to function normally.
6)-Blocked traffic (uninvited people)
A firewall blocks suspicious or unsafe data, just as a gatekeeper blocks uninvited guests. This process helps protect against cyberattacks, viruses, and data theft. This ensures that the network is protected from any potential threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is true to say that a firewall acts as a guardian in the digital realm, one that is not only quiet but also highly necessary. It acts as a robust barrier that acts as a protective wall between the network and any external threats, and it monitors every piece of data that is coming in and going out of the network. Without it, the risk of cyber-attacks and data theft increases manifold.
Also, currently, when people are doing more things online, a firewall is becoming more important every day. A firewall protects data on any network, from a home computer to the network of a big company. It not only keeps you safe from present threats, but it also builds a strong wall against online threats in the future.
