Anyone with a computer connected to the internet should have firewall protection. Firewall makes your system less vulnerable to attack by users or viruses and can keep the information on your private network, well, private. Similarly, desktop firewall protects your laptop or desktop computer and all the files and information stored in it.

There are two ways that you are vulnerable when you go online. The first is that your confidential information and personal files can get in the wrong hands in the case of an intrusion or security breach. The second is that you are vulnerable to attacks on your network. An attack is an action or attempted action that you do not want to happen to your network or computer.

Every business has sensitive information that it wants to protect from theft, destruction, corruption, or unauthorized access. Likewise, we all store confidential files and data on our personal computers that we wouldn’t want anyone else to see. Without desktop firewall, your computer files and information are vulnerable to attacks that come in many different forms, such as:

• Remote login: This occurs when someone is able to login to your network without authorization and is able to gain access to confidential information stored in your computer.
• Network packet sniffing: Information sent between network computers is broken into small pieces called packets. The packets are not encrypted and so if intercepted, are easily accessed and understood.
• Spoofing: IP spoofing is when an attacker pretends to be a trusted computer by using an IP address you trust. The attacker will be able to gain access to any unencrypted data in the network.
• Password attacks: When someone is able to break your password through different means, he or she has access to your most sensitive data.
• Application holes and hijacking: Some programs have what are known as holes or a back door, which is hidden access that a hacker can use to get into your system and access your resources.
• Viruses: A virus is a dangerous program that can enter your computer and cause damage to, or completely erase, your data.
• Trojan horses: A good desktop firewall will block Trojan horse programs, which are hostile applications that seek to take over your computer.
• Hackers: Desktop firewalls can help keep your computer hidden from some hackers trying to get into your systems.
• Banner ads and popups: These annoying pests may not compromise your security but will definitely slow down your processes.

A good desktop firewall system and administrator can work to make sure that your files, information, and network are safe from these and other threats.