Almost any novel or movie involving computer hackers these days
typically uses the term “firewall” as an obstacle that must be
overcome to gain control of a computer. It is touted to be an
impregnable computerized defense, but is it? In reality, a
firewall is just a basic program or simple piece of hardware
that any business with computer users, especially those with
high-speed Internet connections, should have running at all
times. “A firewall is important for computer users to have
because it provides secure access to the Internet,” says Vincent
Weafter, senior director of Symantec Security Response, the
research division of the Cupertino, Calif. security software
company. “The firewall allows safe traffic into and out of your
computer or private network and automatically blocks intruders
and hides your computer from hackers.” Small and medium-sized
businesses consider viruses, worms, spyware and spam to be there
most dangerous security threats today, according to a survey
last year of technology decision-m