Network Security - Methods For Controlling Threats
Since firewalls are so commonly used it is worth exploring them
in greater depth. Corporations often set up rules for managing
their Web connections using firewalls. A firewall enables a
company to designate how all end users can use their network and
decide what information is passed through Web servers and other
servers.
There are several methods a firewall uses to control traffic
that comes into and goes out of the network. One way firewalls
do this is through packet filtering. During this process a
firewall analyzes small packets of information against
pre-designated filters. All data is sent via small packets of
information through filters. Safe information is passed through
and unsafe information is generally removed.
Another way firewalls mitigate traffic is through proxy service.
This means the firewall retrieved information from the Web and
sends it to the requesting computer. Still another method of
traffic control used by firewall is stateful inspection. This
technique allows the firewall to compare certain parts of the
data packet to information gathered from trusted sources.
Information going to the firewall from the Internet is monitored
to determine whether it contains key characteristics that
suggest the information is safe rather than harmful. Information
designated as safe passes through freely and other information
is blocked.
The methods a company selects will depend on a number of factors
including personal preferences. Regardless of the method a
firewall uses however a company or network administrator can
customize the firewall to filter information based on a
pre-established set of criteria.