Get a great deal now →

Firewall: Definition, Functions, 6 Types, Benefits, & How It Works

the firewall is

Topic Recommendations

Share Article

Ready To Improve Your Internal Audit Process?

Discover Audithink's full features and choose a pricing plan that works for your audit team. Start audit transformation now!

Table Of Contents

Without realizing it, our use of internet could cause the data we use in the internet can be spread and the most dangerous impact is exposed attacks cyber.

Then how to overcome it? One way we can do is to use a protective system that is commonly used on computers, namely, firewall.

What is firewall? To better understand, let's look at the explanation below.

Definition of Firewall

Firewall is a network security system that serves to monitor and control network traffic based on predefined security rules.

Network security system it acts as a barrier between a secure internal network and an external network, such as the internet, to prevent unauthorized access, cyberattacks, and other threats.

Network security system can be hardware (hardware) or software (an audit software) installed on a computer or network.

Function Firewall

After understanding what a network security system is, surely this system has several functions other than those previously mentioned. Here are some functions of network security systems, among others:

1. Protect Data from Hacker and irresponsible users

The function of a network security system is to prevent data theft. the network security system acts as a barrier between the installed data, hacker and foreign users can easily access your data, increasing the risk of theft.

2. Block annoying messages

Another function of the network security system is to block unwanted messages. For example, if you receive a mysterious message that says your computer is in danger and asks for the installation of a specific program, this may be a sign that your network security system has not been installed properly. One of the tasks firewall is blocking those annoying messages.

Therefore, be sure not to skip the installation and configuration process of the network security system on your computer.

3. Block unwanted content

In addition to dispelling spam and virus messages, the network security system functions another is blocking access to certain websites or content. You can set what content is or is not allowed to be accessed through your computer.

4. Increase safety and comfort when playing Online games

Another function of the network security system is to ensure that the online gaming experience becomes more secure. Online games have significant risks due to the rapid exchange of data, which can be exploited by hacker to insert malware.

Although game servers are generally equipped with security features, having a network security system on your computer is a wise move for additional protection.

5. Monitor Bandwidth Usage

network security system not only useful for maintaining security computer networks, but also to monitor and limit bandwidth usage. You can set limits for entertainment content and prioritize bandwidth for things that are more important to your business.

6. Accessing the VPN service

The last function of a network security system is to facilitate connection to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By using this service, users can connect to the internal network as well as access content or sites that may be blocked, which can certainly increase productivity, collaboration, and various data.

Types Firewall

Here are some types of network security systems are among others:

1. Firewall Packet Filtering

Types of network security systems it is the most basic and most commonly used. this network security system allows or blocks data packets based on IP address, protocol, and port number.

Its advantage is its ease of setup, but its disadvantage is the difficulty in detecting and preventing more complex attacks.

2. Firewall Circuit-Level Gateway

Types of network security systems it operates at the session level and only verifies if the session is legitimate. This Firewall does not analyze the contents of data packets, so it only allows traffic from already authenticated Sessions.

3. Firewall Application-Level Gateway

This type is also known as firewall proxy, this one checks every packet of data coming in and out of the network, determining the security of the packet. This type offers a higher level of security than firewall packet filtering, but also requires more resources

4. Firewall Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)

This type is more advanced compared to traditional network security systems. NGFW can examine the contents of data packets to determine their security and also analyze the data being processed, being able to block more complex attacks such as zero-day.

5. Firewall Stateful Multilayer Inspection (SMLI)

This type of network security system is capable of assessing data traffic at various layers, including OSI Layer 3 and Layer 4. this network security system also analyzes the flow of data that is being processed and checks incoming and outgoing connections from the network.

6. Firewall Hardware

This type is a special hardware designed for the functioning of network security systems. Hardware network security systems are usually more advanced than software network security systems and often come with additional security features, such as antivirus, anti-spam, and anti-malware.

Benefit of Firewall

ezgif 3 9141172880 11zon
network security system (source: Pexels.com)

Here are some benefits of network security systems are among others:

1. Higher computer security

One of the main benefits of a network security system is that it improves computer security. This system acts as a shield that blocks the entry of threats such as malware and fraud into the system.

In an age where computers are almost always connected to the internet, the existence of a network security system is becoming increasingly crucial to protect your devices.

2. A Website protected from dangerous threats

In addition to protecting computers, the benefits of network security systems are also to keep websites safe from various dangerous threats. Some types of network security systems are specifically designed to protect servers as well as the content contained in them.

3. Avoid Losses Due To Data Theft

Another benefit of network security systems is that they protect personal and valuable data from access hacker and the responsible party, you can prevent potential losses. Without network security system, your personal information could be misused for fraud or identity theft.

4. Prevent access to malicious content

Finally, the network security system helps prevent access to malicious content. This is in line with its function to block unwanted content, which is increasingly widespread on the internet.

Network security system this is very useful, especially if you have minors using the internet, as they may not yet be able to tell which content is safe and which is dangerous.

How It Works Firewall

sample images of programming languages
Firewall is (source: Pexels.com)

Network security system it works by filtering data (packets) that move between the network and the internet. The system has the ability to determine whether a package is accessible to a particular computer or not.

To better understand, here is how a network security system works all you need to know.

1. Packet Filtering (Stateless)

The first method of how a network security system works involves the use of certain rules to assess whether a data is allowed into the network. Each package is inspected individually or in isolation. If packets are sent in groups, then each packet will be analyzed individually.

Packets deemed malicious will not be allowed in, while packets judged safe will be forwarded to the system performing the request.

2. Proxy Service

Proxy service serves as a liaison between network systems. In the method of how this one network security system works, the application proxy placed in the network security system and it is responsible for checking the packets that are transferred to each other in the network.

This system can be considered more effective because all information is checked centrally. Network security system this type is more sophisticated, because the service proxy online free seeks to create connections between networks in a similar way.

Although proxy it seems to connect the network directly, in fact it only mimics a similar mechanism.

3. Stateful Inspection

How network security systems work it involves tracing received packets based on previous activity. The arriving packets are then checked in the packet database. If the packet is deemed safe or shows no risk, it will be forwarded to the requesting system.

After network security system completing the package check, it will respond with one of three options:

  • Receive (accept), meaning network security system will allow traffic to pass through the network.
  • Rejected (reject), which means network security system refusing traffic to pass and giving an error message “unreachable”
  • Throw (drop), where the network security system reject traffic without sending any message.

Advantages Firewall

Here are some advantages firewall are among others:

1. Network Protection

Advantages firewall first is that it can protect the network from unwanted attacks such as viruses, malware, and hackers. Firewall helps control access to the network and provides extra protection for connected devices.

2. Data Traffic Monitoring

Advantages firewall second is that it can monitor data traffic and all information that goes in and out of the network. In this way, firewall it can detect suspicious activity or malicious attacks and alert network administrators.

3. Improved Network Performance

Other advantages firewall it can improve network performance by blocking unnecessary traffic, thus helping to maintain a smooth network without performance degradation due to excessive traffic.

4. Internet Access Management

Other advantages firewall is able to restrict access to unwanted websites and applications, maintain network performance and prevent unproductive or harmful use of the internet.

Disadvantages Firewall

As we know, that nothing is perfect in this life, including the system we are discussing today also has some shortcomings. Here are some drawbacks firewall are among others:

1. Cost

Disadvantages firewall the first is that in implementation it can be said to be expensive, especially if the company chooses High-Value Hardware.

2. Influence on performance

Disadvantages firewall second is that it can affect network performance and may slow down data traffic if not configured properly.

3. Dependence on the Administrator

Other disadvantages firewall is this system requires the expertise of a trained administrator for operation and maintenance. Without a competent administrator, the firewall may not function optimally and not provide adequate protection.

4. Not Always Effective

Other disadvantages firewall is even firewall helps protect the network, there is no guarantee that this device will always work properly. A clever attack can still penetrate the firewall and disrupt the network even if the firewall is operating effectively.

Conclusion

Thus this article, we can draw conclusions, firewall is a network security system that serves to monitor and control data traffic based on established rules. 

Although it provides many advantages, firewall it also has disadvantages such as high cost, impact on network performance, and reliance on skilled administrators. However, with proper use, firewall it is very beneficial to maintain network security and efficiency.

Finally, if you are looking for a reliable audit application and user-friendly, trust Audithink which has many features that can be sure will help your company's audit team.

What are you waiting for? Immediately contact us to consult or find more information.

Related Articles

Data warehouse
apa itu natural processing language (NLP)
know what machine learning is

Find out how the implementation of the audit application can have a positive impact on the company on an ongoing basis.

Consultation on Your Needs