Bruce’s Shorts | 4.10 - Firewalls

You’ve got a firewall and you think that’s enough? When is the last time it was updated? In this series of Bruce’s Shorts, Bruce Devlin looks at computer security.

The word "firewall' doesn't really describe what an IT firewall does. It's more like a hazmat suit (hazardous materials suit) that forms a barrier between your computer or computer network and the outside world.

A simple firewall can monitor incoming traffic for threats. More sophisticated firewalls can learn how a network behaves and report strange behavior. This knowledge can be shared by large groups of users to mutual benefit and to update their firewalls. When did you last update your firewall?

Once a virus is inside the firewall, it isn't going to remove the virus, you need other software for that. 

VPNs may puncture the firewall. It is worthwhile learning how to configure your firewall. It won't solve all your problems, but it will help.

You might also like...

Navigating Streaming Networks For Live Sports: Internet Service Providers & The Growth Of OTT Video

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are experiencing significant growth in bandwidth consumption largely due to the uptake of OTT video services and the growth in numbers of connected devices per household. ISPs are therefore navigating the path of making investments in…

Navigating Streaming Networks For Live Sports: Internet Exchanges & The Growth Of OTT Video

Demand for internet connectivity continues to grow rapidly. Internet Exchange Providers are now part of our critical infrastructure and their integration with ISPs and Content Providers is defining CDN and network expansion.

Navigating Streaming Networks For Live Sports: Broadcaster OTT & Streaming Delivery Networks

With the ongoing growth of OTT content consumption, and the drive from live sports broadcasters to provide high-scale and high-quality Direct to Consumer OTT services, Streamers and their customers now demand streaming services that operate at the scale and quality…

IP Security For Broadcasters: Part 12 - Zero Trust

As users working from home are no longer limited to their working environment by the concept of a physical location, and infrastructures are moving more and more to the cloud-hybrid approach, the outdated concept of perimeter security is moving aside…

IP Security For Broadcasters: Part 11 - EBU R143 Security Recommendations

EBU R143 formalizes security practices for both broadcasters and vendors. This comprehensive list should be at the forefront of every broadcaster’s and vendor’s thoughts when designing and implementing IP media facilities.