Simply Digital

Episode 2: Firewalls

This week, the Simply Digital guys discuss the cornerstone of your Internet security - Firewalls. Although firewalls may not seem all that exciting of a topic, they are a key component in keeping your computer safe, especially if you use a high-speed Internet connection. Given how inexpensive these devices are today, there is really no reason not to have one.

In Episode 2, Michael Ashby and Analog Dave discuss the in’s and outs of firewalls. From defining what they are, to where to find them, to even how to install them. By the end of the podcast, you should be armed with everything you need to know to secure you office and/or home Internet connection.

Show Notes

• Analog Dave doesn’t know what the show’s topic is prior to taping. This is so that he can have the same perspective as our listeners and ensure that we cover the topic completely.
• Michael’s day job is as a computer consultant.
• Episode Topic - Firewalls
  Although the topic of firewalls may seem a bit dry and boring, they are a critical component to your computer’s security.
  1. What Is A Firewall?
     • A firewall is a tool that protects your computer from outside intrusion.
     • A firewall can be software or hardware
     • A firewall is a barrier between your computer and the Internet
     • If you are connecting to the Internet with a high speed connection (DSL, cable modem) we strongly recommend that you have a firewall between your computer and your modem.
     • If you are still using dial-up, a software firewall is all you need because you’re not connected 24/7
  2. Most firewalls are marketed to consumers as Routers
     • A router is a device that routes your Internet connection to more than one computer. [Wikipeida Definition]
     • Prices vary, but it’s not uncommon to find a firewall for under $50
     • Given their low cost, there is no reason not to have one protecting your computer(s)
     • Routers are often include other built-in features such as a wireless access point, Vonage VoIP service VoIP service, etc.
  3. How To Install A Router
     Always consult the instructions that came with your particluar router, but the following is a typical setup:
     • Unbox the router and place it next to your high speed modem
     • Plug the network cable from your modem into the back of your router. This port is typically labeled the “WAN”
     • Plug the network cable that came with your router into the “LAN” port. If there are more than one, any of them should work
     • Plug the other end of the new network cable into your computer
     • Turn on the router and you’re done!
     We also recommend that you log into your router and change the default password. Don’t leave the default password and settings in place.
  4. Why Do You Need A Firewall/Router?
     • All you’re doing is placing the router between your computer and your modem.
     • Without a firewall in place, you are leaving your computer open to anyone on the Internet.
     • Since high speed connections are leaving you connected to the Internet 24/7 you are at a high risk.
     • If you want to be extra careful, you can also turn off your computer when you’re not using it.
  5. Software Firewalls
     • Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Mac OS X both have built-in software firewalls
     • A hardware firewall is good at keeping “things” from getting in. A software firewall is good for keeping “things” from getting out.
     • If you have a hardware firewall, then you don’t have to have a software firewall.
     • Software firewalls are also good for laptops when you’re mobile, such as coffee shops, hotels, etc.
     • Software firewalls are good to notify you when applications are trying to “call home”. They can be a bit of a pain initially, but if you want to monitor what information is going out, they can be helpful.
     • List Of Software Firewalls:
       • Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall (our favorite)
       • ZoneAlarm
       • Tiny
     • If you’re a Mac user and you’d like this type of notification, we like Little Snitch. However, Little Snitch is not a firewall.

A Final Note:
If you want to dig deeper into the topic of firewalls, how they work and why you should have one, we recommend that you listen to Episode 3 of Security Now. It’s definitely a more technical podcast, but it’s loaded with a lot of great information.

5 comments August 23rd, 2006