| A firewall is a system that prevents unauthorized | | | | interfere with unprotected networks and computers. |
| access to a private network. Firewalls are extensively | | | | For example, hackers can remotely login to your |
| used by businesses, corporations and the government | | | | computer and assume some level of control over it. |
| to protect against potential hackers. They act as a | | | | This control can range from stealing files to running |
| barrier between a private network and the Internet. | | | | programs to sending spam from your email to |
| Anything that goes into or out of the network must | | | | trafficking in illegal files to spying on you using your |
| pass through the firewall. The firewall examines each | | | | microphone and web cam. Some hackers plant |
| message to make sure it meets the specified security | | | | malware (malicious software) on your computer |
| criteria before passing it through. Just like a literal | | | | without your knowledge that runs in silently in the |
| firewall, a computer firewall prevents a fire (in this case | | | | background and tracks your computer usage. This is a |
| a dangerous intrusion into a private network) from | | | | way to obtain your personal information and steal your |
| spreading. | | | | identity. The only way to protect yourself is to put up |
| You can choose between software and hardware | | | | the proper barrier between your computer and those |
| firewalls or choose to install both for added security. | | | | who wish you harm. |
| Hardware firewalls are a physical gateway between | | | | Comodo Firewall Pro is a Free Firewall Software |
| your computer and the Internet. A common example | | | | program from a leading certification authority and |
| of a hardware firewall is a Cable/DSL router. A router | | | | security solutions provider. This software provides a |
| is connected to the modem that supplies your Internet | | | | suite of security features that are simple enough for |
| connection and your computer is connected to the | | | | beginners to install but can be highly customized by |
| router either via Ethernet cable or wireless connection. | | | | advanced users. Comodo Firewall Pro focuses on |
| A router can be configured using a web-based | | | | preventing malware from installing on your computer. |
| interface to filter out any information you want it to | | | | Traditional firewall software has been |
| before it reaches our computer’s browser. | | | | “detection-based.” These programs waited for |
| A software firewall works in the same way, but | | | | malware to be installed on your computer and then |
| without the physical unit. You download the software | | | | alerted you to its presence. In the interim damage could |
| and configure it to filter out information to and from | | | | be done. Comodo Firewall Pro takes a more proactive |
| your computer. Companies often use firewalls to | | | | stance against malware and restricts installation of all |
| prevent their employees from accessing certain | | | | software unless it is on a pre-approved list of clean |
| websites or from sending inappropriate email | | | | applications (there are over 1 million applications on this |
| communications. Some people, however, use a firewall | | | | list) or it is specifically approved by the user. Never |
| to only filter in only one direction—from the Internet. | | | | allowing the malware to reach your computer, |
| This protects them from unauthorized intrusions from | | | | Comodo Firewall Pro prevents damage from |
| unscrupulous players. | | | | occurring. |
| There are many ways that devious people can | | | | |