When you signed up for that ultra-fast DSL or Cable connection there was probably one very important piece of information that your ISP failed to mention. By accessing
Internet via a high-speed connection, you have tremendously increased your chances of being victimized by a computer hacker.Dial-up may not have seemed like it could have held any advantages, but it actually did have one upside. It is much less prone to hacking. Every time you dialed-in your computer was assigned a new IP address. That unique IP address made you a moving target that was more difficult for hackers to hit.
With a high-speed connection you are assigned a static IP address (it never changes). So, your computer went from being a moving target to staying still with a bulls-eye pasted on side. That, coupled with fact that with a high-speed connection your computer is always online, are ideal conditions for a potential hacker attack. That seemingly beneficial always-on connection gives hackers a 24/7 open invitation to try and hack your system. Once inside they can access personal or financial details, compromise your computer's operating system, or unleash a virus, worm, or spyware.
Which Firewall is Right For You?
Now that you know how vital a firewall is to protection of your PC you have to decide which firewall is right for you. Software or hardware.
A software firewall is designed to monitor your computers activity at all times. Think of it as a bodyguard who won't let anyone into your computer if he doesn't like look of them. With a software firewall you may to have to assist in protecting your system. The firewall might alert you to certain activity and ask you if you want to grant or deny permission. It's just like bodyguard that was mentioned before. He needs okay before telling someone to scram. After you give either thumbs up or thumbs down firewall will take appropriate action and remember your reply so that you won't be asked in future.
