Updated May 29, 2023

Introduction to Firewall Uses

When it comes to secure access to data and safe computer systems operations, the concept of a firewall comes into one’s mind. A firewall can be defined in various manners. However, the simplest definition can be that it acts as a filter between a computer system and the internet. This filter’s essential purpose is to protect the computer system by allowing only intended and non-destructive content from the internet. Had firewalls not existed, the internet idea would have disappeared soon after it came into being. Today, the web world can be considered safe because of the firewall concept.

Top 7 Uses of Firewall

A firewall is an essential component of the system. It can be in any form, software, hardware, or cloud-computing mechanism. The following are the uses of a firewall that a user must understand to guard their system.

1. Prevents the Passage of Unwanted Content

There’s no limitation to bad and unwanted content over the internet. Such unwanted content can easily penetrate the system unless a strong firewall exists. Most operating systems will have a firewall that effectively takes care of undesired and malignant content from the internet.
Whenever a new system is employed, the user must be checked if a firewall exists, and if not, the third-party firewall can be installed.

2. Prevents Unauthorized Remote Access

Today, in the world, numerous unethical hackers are there, who are making constant efforts to acquire access to vulnerable systems. The ignorant user is never aware of who can access his system. A strong firewall prevents any possibility of a prospective unethical hacker getting remote access to a system. Such remote access is purely unauthorized and can also be intended for destructive purposes.
A strong firewall is necessary to protect your data, transactions, etc.; confidential data and information leakage mean tremendous loss and failure for enterprises. When it comes to understanding the importance of firewalls to prevent unauthorized remote access, the example of banking organizations and national-level security agencies comes to one’s mind.

3. Prevents Indecent Content

The internet’s extensive web has exposed people, especially adolescents and youth, to immoral content. This content has been spreading its nefarious nexus very fast. With changing trends and lifestyles, such content harms youngsters’ minds. Given this situation, it becomes essential for the guardians to ensure that such content is prevented in their computer systems.
Exposure to obscene content can harm young minds, resulting in strange behaviors and immoral conduct. A strong firewall protects the computer systems by preventing the entry of immoral and indecent content and thus allows parents to keep their children safe.

4. Guarantees Security Based on Protocol and IP Address

The hardware firewalls help examine traffic activities based on a certain protocol. Whenever a connection gets established, right from the beginning to the end, a track of activities is kept that helps to keep the system protected.
Network Address Translation (NAT) is a type of firewall that effectively protects systems from those outside the network to which they belong. As a result, these systems’ IP address is visible only in their network, thus keeping them separated and safe.

5. Protects Seamless Operations in Enterprises

Nowadays, organizations have become heavily reliant on enterprise software and systems. Decentralized distribution systems, coupled with the accessibility of data anywhere across the entire geographical presence, enable authorized stakeholders to use and work on the data for successful business operations.
Using credentials, a user can log in to his system from any system within the network. However, given such a vast network system and huge data, having a strong firewall in place is imperative, and the firewall is the most important component in imparting security to all these aspects. Without effective firewalls, it would be difficult for organizations to have such seamless operations, and the activities would be badly hampered.

6. Protects Conversations and Coordination Contents

Organizations that are in service industries have to interact with third-party clients constantly. As a part of various projects, they keep sharing relevant content with the client and internal teams. Moreover, it is not just the content but the interaction with internal and external stakeholders through meetings, interviews, discussions, and chats.
Confidentiality is crucial for effectively protecting almost all the content from these coordination activities, and no organization can afford the cost of leaking such important information. Firewall guards the systems effectively and allows a secure and safe flow of information, imparting a sense of confidence to the stakeholders.

7. Prevents Destructive Content from Online Videos and Games

Watching online videos and playing online games has become fairly common nowadays. Numerous sites allow users to watch movies, and some also let them download movies. Similarly, a plethora of sites allows for playing and downloading games. Barring a few known sites, not all sites guarantee access security. And often, there’s a huge change of destructive content in the form of malware and virus trying to penetrate the user’s system. A firewall must be present in the system as it keeps the user’s system protected from possible malware attacks through online games or videos.
The malware attacks through the sites offering online games and videos often go unrecognized as users are so excited about the games or movies that they intend to explore over the internet. However, it is always advisable to consult a systems specialist and have them check if an effective and strong firewall, either in the form of software or hardware, whichever is suitable, exists in the system. Moreover, for online video access and game playing, one should familiarize oneself with the requisite firewall settings to make effective firewall use.

Conclusion

A firewall is a cybersecurity tool that protects systems when operating on the internet. With so much malicious content being floated across the internet, it is essential to keep the systems secure. It doesn’t matter which form of firewall exists, only that they protect the systems effectively.