Firewalls: The 3rd Line of Defense

Van T. Do --TekWarrior Chief Editor--

One of the most important protection against hackers is a firewall. Many people don't have firewalls, but many really should. Every second your on the internet, your computer is vulnerable. An antivirus will detect trojan horses, but it might not detect the latest one. A firewall can prevent a trojan from accessing the internet, and it can do a whole lot more. Users at the most risk are ones that use cable, dsl, and other broadband services. Why? you might ask. Because broadband connections give you a permanent IP(internet protocal) address. With your IP address, Hackers can break into your computer, and wreak havoc. Even though some attacks may just be to crash your computer, other attacks can be ones that send trojans, and if undetected by an antivirus (or you don't have one--see antivirus article) they can take over your computer, steal personal data, like passwords and credit card numbers, and even delete your hard drive. Dial-up users (56k etc.) are less likely to be attacked, because they get a different IP address everytime they log on. But that doesn't mean they are not vulnerable. Many hackers have scanners to scan IP host servers, and usually search for computers with trojans, the most used is the trojan: SubSeven, and NetBus when they detect someone with that trojan, they can take over that computer. That is why I stress you use an antivirus, and a firewall. I have included a list of firewalls, and various other utilities that will keep you safe, and your internet experience enjoyable.

Zone Alarm 2.1.25hot!! http://www.zonelabs.com- Protect your PC from unsavory Internet activity with ZoneAlarm. This free, easy-to-use security utility sets up a personal firewall that's particularly well suited to cable modem users. You can select one of three (low, medium, high) security levels to separately apply to local and Internet traffic. In addition, you can designate which programs on your computer are allowed to access the Internet. Each time a new application attempts to access the Internet, ZoneAlarm alerts you and asks whether or not to allow this access. You can answer in such a way that access is granted without intervention in the future. Anytime an event occurs that ZoneAlarm blocks, you're notified immediately with a pop-up window that details the offense. The program's system tray icon provides a handy menu that enables you to disable all Internet activity with a mouse click. You can also set this "lock up" to activate automatically after a selected period of inactivity or whenever your screen saver activates. Please note for AOL users you must put the security level on medium in order for your browser to work. ZoneAlarm also nows supports a feature that will stop internet e-mail worms, and viruses.Conclusion: A great firewall from a great company Rating:

BlackICE Defender version: 2.1.ck --http://www.networkice.com--- A great firewall programs, that is easy to setup, and provides protection from almost all forms of internet attacks. This program costs about $39.95(US). One of the best firewall programs. BlackICE Defender is a dynamic firewall, that has a big advantage over traditional firewalls. A simple interface, and fantastic protection for any system. A little lacking in advanced support but well worth the price. Conclusion: A nice firewall, worth it's price Rating:

Norton Internet Security 2000 Norton Internet Security provides your PC with comprehensive protection from Internet-based threats and lets you create a safe, supervised environment for family members who use the web. Using Norton Internet Security, you can: Set up a personal firewall that protects your PC and data from curious intruders, malicious hackers, and attacks by rogue Web sites; block objectionable Web sites and specify which types of Internet programs (newsgroups, chat programs, email and so on) can be used by family members; prevent family members from giving out confidential information to Web sites they visit; reduce the risks to your privacy by blocking cookies and referer fields when you visit Web sites; and block banner ads and reduce other visual distractions on web pages. This program is organized into a simple and easy to use interface. Norton Internet Security isn't the best firewall, but it will protect you from the most common types of internet disturbance. It's many other features are worth the price though. Norton's firewall is taken from the acquisition of AtGuard(a great firewall in its days). However, AtGuard by itself was much more better. Norton has bloated the firewall extensively. Conclusion: A good predecessor from AtGuard, but made into a bloated mix by Norton Rating:4 Stars

IDcide Privacy Companion(1.43mb)--http://www.idcide.com-- You are being watched on the web all the time! Do you wish to stop it? IDcide Privacy Companion is a free browser add-on that alerts you when you are being watched on the Net. It also shows you who is following you and lets YOU decide how much personal information to give away with three levels of security. This product is first of its kind to bring web surfers' privacy back to their own hands. IDcide is a good safety measure, but it seems all three levels of security block all cookies. Cookies may be bad sometimes, but it may also render those sites that use cookies for good no longer function Conclusion: A great project in the making, until the cookie problem is fixed, wait on this one for now Rating:Temporary

TDS-2*: Trojan Defense Suite The world's most comprehensive anti-trojan package, speech synthesised and detecting over 360 trojans and worms, peace of mind with a state-of-the-art defence system is just a short download away. Also detects port-scanning, trojan hacking attempts and has over 150 configurable items. Automatic updates, a jam-packed featureset, dozens of utilities, and 3rd party plugins extends the use of TDS beyond your imagination. This links to a shareware version of TDS. Conclusion: A good safey measure, however it does not replace a firewall. Rating:

Internet Guard Dog 3.0 offers chat filtering and web site blocking. Protects your privacy, very similar to Norton Internet Security 2000. This is shareware. Produced from McAfee. Conclusion: Good features, however has no firewall Rating:

HackerWacker 2000 PE monitors and logs all user activity on your system. This includes Internet activity. It includes a small personal firewall, email notification, keystroke logging, active window logging, URL logging, firewall logging, file/system logging, executable file logging, options to close apps and lock cursor, User customized word detection system, immunity user list, screen captures, sound notify, stealth mode, and more Conclusion: Great security for your computer online and offline Rating:

Norton Personal Firewall http://www.symantec.com --- A spinoff of the firewall from Norton Internet Security 2000 Conclusion: Nice try, but no buy, not the best firewall. Rating:

McAfee Personal Firewall A solid firewall based on the ConSeal line of firewalls. This program is only available through the McAfee Clinic which requires an annual subscription. The McAfee Clinic includes all features from its large amount of products including an antivirus and its utilities suite. Conclusion: Fairly good protection, annual subscription thing might not be that good. Rating:

Sybergen Secure Desktop v2.1.464 07-27-00 Use an Internet security solutionCompany: Sybergen Inc. Version: 2.1.464 Size: 2.82 MB Downloads: 18,779 Requirements: Windows 95, 98, or NT Purchase Information: Free Sybergen Secure Desktop (formerly SyShield) provides an easy-to-use means of protecting your computer from unauthorized Internet access. It's powerful, flexible, and very easy to implement. It features five security levels, ranging from none (disabled) to complete (no Internet access of any kind). The highest security level that allows Internet access permits inbound packets that result from specific requests, such as file downloads. The next level allows general communication (such as online game playing), and the next is suitable when you're running some sort of server. To fine-tune your settings with a minimum of fuss, the program features a learning mode that prompts you as new situations arise. You can run the program automatically when Windows loads, enable password protection, and deny Internet access for a period of time each day with a built-in scheduler. You can also enable email alerts and access a variety of advanced network settings. Sybergen Secure Desktop is free for personal use. Rating:

Just remember, the first step to protect yourself is to know about your danger, the next step is to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! Hope you enjoyed the programs I listed. Just in case your are still deciding on what to click on, choose Zone Alarm it is one of the best firewalls, that is even FREE!!!

Further Full Reviews of Various Firewalls will come in the future with major new releases.