When it comes to computers, there is no getting around the term "firewall" . But what exactly is behind it? And why is it so important that your computer has an active firewall? We will answer these and other questions for you in the following article.
What is a firewall?
The firewall (in German "fire protection wall") is an essential part of a computer's software. The function of a firewall is to protect your computer from unauthorized attacks on your network. However, the firewall itself cannot prevent attacks; it can only follow set rules. You can set these rules manually and thus generally allow or prevent certain programs from accessing the Internet..
For example, you can specify that you always have to confirm when a program tries to access the Internet. You can also add exceptions to the firewall. These exceptions are then blocked or can always access the Internet without additional confirmation. For example, you should add your browser to the exceptions. In this post we will show you how to add exceptions to your firewall.
The firewall ensures that your computer can be accessed from outside your network via an open port. Computers used to be connected directly to the Internet, so worms could infect a PC in a matter of seconds. A firewall prevents this access. As a rule, you now have two firewalls: the personal firewall on your computer and the external firewall. The latter is related to your router's software and protects it from attacks..
Why do I need a firewall?
As described above, the firewall is used to protect your computer. Access to the Internet is blocked by programs on the PC - if necessary. The firewall can also block access to your computer from Internet sites. This is to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. This process helps to prevent malware infestation, for example from worms, on your computer. Without a firewall, other people and programs can gain access to your computer and, in the worst case, access your sensitive data.
How do I activate my firewall?
The firewall is normally activated by default - regardless of whether it is a Windows 10 or macOS-based computer, for example. If the firewall is deactivated, your operating system will inform you automatically. In addition, some programs and companies also offer their own firewalls, which are downloaded manually and activated via the corresponding program. Normally, however, it is sufficient to use the system-internal firewall..
You should also have an active virus protection program and always keep your security programs up to date. In this way, you can keep your computer safe as well as possible.
