I never really understood what a firewall was or how it worked until taking IS101. I always just thought of it as some nerdy IT lingo. Then I learned that there are two types of firewalls and what they do. I learned that a host firewall comes installed on your device to protect it from malicious attacks from the internet bad guys. I liken this to the deadbolt and peephole of your front door. This is installed on your house as a protective measure to vet and keep the bad guys out. I then learned that the other type of firewall is called a network firewall. This type of firewall is configured by your internet service provider (ISP). I like to think of this type of firewall as TSA at the airport or Boarder Patrol at the boarders of the country. Vetting and providing security for those who want to enter to ensure they have good intentions and are safe to do so.
So in short, a network firewall is the first line of defense when you are connected to the internet (TSA and Boarder Patrol). The second line of defense is your host firewall (deadbolt and peephole). Hopefully my explanation and understanding of these firewalls helps others to better understand how these types of firewalls work.
I love your analogy of using TSA/Boarder Patrol and Front Door (Deadbolt & Peephole) to explain network firewall and host firewall from 1.4.2 Computer Security Risks ^_^
ReplyDeleteGreat job Mike :-)
Hello Mike! I completely relate to your initial perception of firewalls as obscure IT jargon. Your analogy comparing host firewalls to the deadbolt and peephole on a front door is brilliant. It simplifies the concept, making it more relatable. Additionally, likening network firewalls to TSA or Border Patrol adds another layer of clarity, highlighting their role as the initial line of defense. Your breakdown not only clarified the technicalities but also provided a practical understanding of these security measures. Great job in demystifying firewalls!
ReplyDeleteHey Mike. I love how firewall has several ways to defend your computer from viruses, it sort of reminds me of this anime "Cells at Work"
ReplyDeleteYour analogies really brought the concept of firewalls to life for me! Comparing them to everyday security measures like a deadbolt and TSA makes it so much easier to understand their importance and how they work. Thanks for sharing your insights!
ReplyDeleteMike, for an IT Neanderthal like me, your explanation of firewalls is spot on. I used to think it was the partition between the engine and passenger compartment. How it got into IT perplexed me. Thank you for clearing up my "Firewall" confusion.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike, I think I have already provided my comments to this blog, but not sure why this is not reflecting. Anyway, I like your comparative explanation on comparing technology to everyday usage components, which let even the layman to understand.
ReplyDeleteHey Mike, firewalls can certainly be helpful in protecting your computer. I've come across issues when downloading some software asking to disable my firewall which prevented me from downloading them. To prevent this I've decided to permanently disable mine and occasionally check for viruses to be safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for explaining firewalls in a way that was digestible for me! Like others, I've also heard of a firewall. However, this lackluster knowledge of firewalls I had came from a lot of action movies. I never made that extra step to actually learn what it does until now!
ReplyDeleteThis was a much more fun way to provide an example about firewalls, sometimes firewalls can be a bit annoying but there are ways to get around them as long as you let your firewall know specifically what you want to be blocked and not blocked, it should work fine, firewalls that have explicit deny are like untrained guard dogs ready to lung at anything coming through to your computer.
ReplyDeleteHey Mike, I really enjoyed the way you were able to come up with the analogy. It is good to see that you are aware of protecting your computer. In general, it's becoming more of an issue for people with online personal security to get access due to simple negligence.
ReplyDeleteHey Mike, I love the way you compare the types of firewalls to real world examples that most of us are familiar with. That example makes it easier for us to picture what the role of each firewall is. Both are important but each one protects us on its own level.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike! I loved your analogy. It took something that is foreign to most people to something that is mostly understood. It made reading your post enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteHey Mike, reading your analogy about firewall makes me more understand the network firewall and host firewall better. Thanks for the clarity!
ReplyDeleteMike, I agree with everything you said. The firewall is one of the most important parts of online safety, because it is the front line. Also its sad how 'hidden' it is.
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