Software Firewalls

A software firewall, also known as a personal firewall – is a software program that installs on your computer. It acts as a guardian of all data that flows in and out of your computer, and protects you from external attacks. Software firewalls do a pretty good job of protecting you from internet security threats, as they block certain types of suspicious data packets and close certain ports that are not commonly used (and not required for regular internet activity). Many software firewalls are available today, like Zone Alarm, PC Cillin, Sygate, EZ Armor, Kerio Personal Firewall, Norton, Lavasoft, Outpost, Black Ice, and Jetico. Information on these products and more is included below.

Most people running Microsoft Windows operating systems now have the Windows Firewall up and running. Is Windows Firewall enough protection? No. Although Windows Firewall helps protect your computer from inbound intruders, it does nothing to protect you from outbound security issues. Much spyware and malware that is already inside your computer can easily get data packets through Windows Firewall and out to the internet. Although Windows Firewall is a bit of help, it does not fully protect you against both inbound and outbound threats. You need a third party personal firewall or hardware firewall to do this.