Firewalls - Network Perimeter Security

A firewall by definition is a security system to protect a network server or computer from intentional or accidental damage or unauthorized access. It can be installed as a hardware device or software. The number of firewall products that are available today is amazing, ranging from free home user firewalls to enterprise class. The problem exists when an organization installs a firewall but fails to ensure that it is updated or even operational.

There are firewalls available that in essence perform maintenance on themselves, but updating the system via the Internet for security vulnerabilities. New vulnerabilities evolve all the time, but utilizing a firewall that updates either automatically or that advises the system administrator of the new threats, adds another layer of security.

As a note, simply installing any kind of firewall is not enough.