Internet Security Part 1: Firewall

May 24, 2008 · Filed Under Internet · 3 Comments

Connecting to the Internet has many benefits and advantages. Much of what I have learned, I learned through Google and Internet searches. And it is true for most people, like you and me.

Internet image The fact, however, that your computer is connected to the Internet, makes it always at risk to intrusion and virus attacks. There are people who spend their time in looking for ways to gain access and attack other unsuspecting users. For your safety, you must always ensure that a firewall is running before going online.

Not implementing a firewall makes your computer-stored personal information, like bank account numbers, credit card data, tax information, and so on, accessible to attackers. Think of the firewall as a huge, tough-looking bouncer who stops anyone coming into your computer if they’re not on the guest list.

What is a Firewall?

Source: Wikipedia

A firewall is a device or set of devices configured to permit, deny, encrypt, or proxy all computer traffic between different security domains based upon a set of rules and other criteria.

What a firewall does:

Basically a firewall protects you and your computer data against a number of different online threats. A firewall protects you from hackers, “worms” that spread from computer to computer over the internet and outgoing traffic that might originate from a virus or a Trojan infection.

Source: Wikipedia

“A firewall is a dedicated appliance, or software running on another computer, which inspects network traffic passing through it, and denies or permits passage based on a set of rules.
A firewall’s basic task is to regulate some of the flow of traffic between computer networks of different trust levels. Typical examples are the Internet which is a zone with no trust and an internal network which is a zone of higher trust. A zone with an intermediate trust level, situated between the Internet and a trusted internal network, is often referred to as a “perimeter network” or Demilitarized zone (DMZ).

A firewall’s function within a network is similar to firewalls with fire doors in building construction. In the former case, it is used to prevent network intrusion to the private network. In the latter case, it is intended to contain and delay structural fire from spreading to adjacent structures.

Without proper configuration, a firewall can often become worthless. Standard security practices dictate a “default-deny” firewall ruleset, in which the only network connections which are allowed are the ones that have been explicitly allowed. Unfortunately, such a configuration requires detailed understanding of the network applications and endpoints required for the organization’s day-to-day operation. Many businesses lack such understanding, and therefore implement a “default-allow” ruleset, in which all traffic is allowed unless it has been specifically blocked. This configuration makes inadvertent network connections and system compromise much more likely.”

What a firewall DOESN’T do

A firewall, on its own is not enough to guarantee online security. Think of a firewall as your gate. It is your first line of defense before someone uninvited breaks in into your home.

A firewall provides minimal or zero protection:

If you allowed or permitted other computers to connect to yours.
If it the firewall is turned off or disabled
Against spyware and adwares.
If you or a virus has created a back door through the firewall
If a hacker has the password for the firewall
Against people with physical access to your computer or network.
Against malicious traffic that does not travel through the firewall (example: a poorly configured wireless network)
Against attacks after a network has been compromised.
Against traffic that appears to be legitimate.
Against spams and most viruses.
If the firewall has many exceptions or open ports.
Against any kind of fraud or criminal activity online.
If you have no computer and/or internet connection

A firewall on its own is not enough for complete online security.
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David Cook is the New American Idol !

May 23, 2008 · Filed Under Entertainment, Internet · 3 Comments

David Cook won the American Idol !

I meant to write something about the judges take of both Davids performances earlier this week but was unable to do so. Amfufu.com experienced some technical difficulties the previous days because of the recent webhosting changes. My webhost transferred all of its existing clients to a different server and there were some DNS propagation issues.

Back to the topic. I felt really bad how David performed that night. I must agree with the judges because David Cook didn’t perform quite well on that 3-song finale night. Compared with David Archuleta, David Cook’s performance was a little disappointing. I thought it’s just me but a lot of people in the internet have the same perception.

I love both Davids. They are really great singers. I just love Cook’s style more and I was hoping he would win. And he did ! I have overstated in my previous blog that David Archuleta would win because of his huge fan base. I was wrong. The 12 million vote margin says it all.

Here’s a good analysis by Lynn Elber how David Cook won the American Idol.

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