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The XP Firewall Isn't Enough |
by:
Steve Blampied |
You might think you do not needfirewall because windows XP has one built in, but read on forplain-english explanation why this isn’t enough.
Before broadband and cable connections were common most people did not needpersonal firewall because they were not connected toInternet for extended periods of time.
Every computer that connects tointernet hasIP address. This is likesort of phone number, and is issued either toindividual computer or to"gateway" that connectsprivate network to'net.
Domestic dial-up internet connections normally usesystem called Dynamic IP Addressing where people are issued withsort of "new identity" every time they connect, so it's difficult to find and attackindividual computer - Dynamic IP addressing isbit like having your phone number change every time you usephone, which makes it difficult forbad guys to find you.
Butlonger you keepparticular “phone number”more chance there is of someone finding you and that is why high-speed always-on connections need handling with care.
In particular, with "always on" DSL and cable connections you are connected for extended periods of time which giveattackers more chance of finding you if you've gotunprotected connection.
In these days of identity theft and with more and more security holes being uncovered in commercial software it is vital that you havegood firewall if you usehigh-speed connection.
You may already havefirewall, either indevice called"Broadband Router" which goes between your computer andInternet orvery basic firewall built in to Windows XP Service Pack two and you might think that’s all you need.
But there's another reason that you will not have thought of.
Basic firewalls will tell you, and hopefully protect you if someone is trying to get in.... but they will not tell you if something is trying to get out!
That's right! Certain spyware and viruses can gather your personal information and send it out of your machine without you knowing.
A good firewall will spot these attempts to send stuff out and will warn you, quite possibly before your Antivirus or Spyware application noticesproblem. Which gives you time to getproblem fixed.
Aboutauthor:
Steve Blampied lives in Jersey inChannel Islands and has beenindependent IT consultant for around onezero years and hassmall IT company in Jersey.
http://www.technology.je
He is currently putting togetherweb site solely about free software.
http://www.freesoftwareadvice.com
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