A firewall is like an invisible shield protecting your computer from online and offline threats. The primary function is to protect your PC, phone, or tablet from the data-based malware threats of data-based malware that prevail on the internet.
Basic Functionality of a Firewall
A firewall operates by tracking various data and allowing the non-vulnerable ones while blocking the malicious ones. It has three operation methods: Packet Filtering, Proxy Service, and Stateful information. Among these three, Packet Filtering is the most widely used mechanism by different firewalls.
10 Best firewall software for Windows
Norton 360 Deluxe:
Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive internet security suite that offers advanced protection against malware, viruses, and online threats. It includes a firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks suspicious activity. Norton 360 Deluxe also has other security features such as antivirus, anti-spam, and password manager.
McAfee Total Protection:
McAfee Total Protection is another popular internet security software with a robust firewall. The firewall monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. McAfee Total Protection also includes antivirus, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protection.
Bitdefender Total Security:
Bitdefender Total Security is an all-in-one security suite that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks suspicious activity. Bitdefender Total Security also includes antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-phishing protection.
Kaspersky Internet Security:
Kaspersky Internet Security is a popular software that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. Kaspersky Internet Security also includes antivirus, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protection.
Avast Premium Security:
Avast Premium Security is an all-in-one internet security suite that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. Avast Premium Security also includes antivirus, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protection.
ESET Internet Security:
ESET Internet Security is a comprehensive internet security suite that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. ESET Internet Security also includes antivirus, anti-phishing, and anti-malware protection.
ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall:
ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall is a popular firewall software that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a two-way firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall also provides identity theft protection and online backup.
Comodo Firewall:
Comodo Firewall is a free firewall software that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a two-way firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. Comodo Firewall also includes anti-malware and anti-phishing protection.
GlassWire Firewall:
GlassWire Firewall is a firewall software that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a two-way firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. GlassWire Firewall also provides network monitoring and application monitoring.
TinyWall:
TinyWall is a free firewall software that offers advanced protection against online threats. It includes a two-way firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks unauthorized access attempts. TinyWall also has an allowlist mode that allows only authorized applications to access the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firewalls
Enlisted below are the most commonly asked questions about Firewalls.
How do Firewalls Protect from Hackers?
Answer: Firewalls protect from hackers by blocking their access to your PC via Wi-Fi and the internet.
To access your PC and steal sensitive data such as browsing history, bank details, passwords, and other information, hackers use keylogging software and Trojan viruses to record your sessions and monitor your keystrokes. Keystrokes mean what you enter onto your PC or another device.
Hackers can run illicit activities using your computer even without your knowledge. The good news is that firewalls can help to stop them.
Can a Firewall be Hacked?
Answer: It is a rarity that a firewall can be hacked. Although a firewall is meant to protect your computer from hackers, the security of your system can be compromised if you misconfigure or inappropriately maintain a firewall. Cybercriminals can easily hack a firewall if it is not correctly tuned.
Also, regardless of how strong your firewall protection is, hackers can bypass the firewall if there are vulnerabilities in the systems and applications that the firewall protects. For instance, attackers can utilize several vulnerabilities in Windows to enter into your computer.
All they need to do is convince you to visit an infected web page. This makes it essential to have antivirus and anti-malware software installed alongside the firewall on your PC or systems.
Also, ensure all applications and operating systems are patched to the latest version. If you do this, there’s a little chance of a hacker gaining access to your system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, internet security is essential to protect your Windows computer against cyber threats. You can safeguard your computer and sensitive data by using high-quality internet security firewall software. Windows’s top 10 internet security firewall software include Norton 360 Deluxe, McAfee Total Protection, Bitdefender Total Security, Kaspersky Internet Security, Avast Premium Security, ESET Internet Security, ZoneAlarm Pro Firewall, Comodo Firewall, GlassWire Firewall, and TinyWall. Consider the features and pricing of each software before choosing the one that is right for you