What is a Firewall? Features, Advantages and Disadvantages of Using it

There are various network services that exist, but most of them are integrated into the so-called Firewall. Through this guide we will teach you what a Firewall is, its characteristics, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using it. We invite you to learn a little about this outstanding tool that PCs have.

What is a Firewall and is it due to its name?

If you’ve used a PC, you probably know the term Firewall. It is not for less, because it is a system of great relevance present in many operating systems. Clearly, you can turn Windows Firewall on and off, but there are also hardware-level Firewalls.

Anyway What is a Firewall? In short, a Firewall is a security system for networks, in which the movements (traffic) that pass through said network are evaluated. It could be said that a Firewall is a kind of wall that appears to indicate that a connection can be dangerous.

The name makes a lot of sense, since Firewall in English could be translated as “wall of fire” and that is the purpose of this tool. In fact, the term Firewall, was born within the jargon of firefighters, who used the word Firewall to refer to a wall whose purpose was to contain the fire in a way that it did not continue to expand.

What are its characteristics and different types of Firewall

There are different types of Firewall, anyway, we can categorize them into three essential types, which in turn represent the three existing generations of Firewall. However, keep in mind that although a Firewall can help with security, it cannot always detect and remove a Ransomware virus from your computer.

Packet filter / network firewall, this packet filter represents the oldest type of Firewall, since it was released in 1987 and as its name indicates, the objective is to inspect all the packets that move through the computers on a network . Its operation is relatively simple, the Firewall has an access list for those elements that will be exchanged on the network.

Connection Tracking / Status Firewall – Launched around 1989 and is very similar to packet filtering. In any case, specific aspects of the IP addresses that exchange data, which substantially extends security.

This system evaluates where each of the packages is located within the bundles sent. Putting together the technologies of the old type of Firewall and these slight, but significant changes, you get more outstanding security.

In 1993, the proposal to create a Firewall focused on applications was born. The purpose of this type of Firewall is to understand the protocols of certain applications. To cite an example, this type of Firewall includes such important information exchange protocols como el FTP, DNS o HTTP (essential for the Internet).

The objective of this type of Firewall is for the tool to understand when packets or information that has nothing to do with the application protocols are being sent. In this way, it can be more easily understood if the information sent contains any malicious component.

Advantages, disadvantages of a Firewall How to activate and deactivate it instantly?

Undoubtedly, activating the Microsoft Defender Firewall on your computer is the most recommended to protect the equipment. Even so, it is essential to keep in mind that Firewalls have advantages, but also some disadvantages.

Advantages of Firewall

• Shield the security of the information that moves through the network.
• It is a protection measure for the entry of hackers.
• It is one of the main defensive barriers against malicious software (virus).

Disadvantages of Firewalls

• Sometimes speed may be reduced connection.
• New viruses are capable of bypassing certain Firewalls, mainly those that are hidden within the software on our computers.
• It does not replace antivirus softwareIn fact, it is essential to install a free or paid antivirus to better protect your computer.
• When we talk about Firewall at the hardware level, it can be expensive.