Firewalls are used to keep a network secure from intruders.
Firewalls can be implemented as software only, but for larger businesses, they may also include dedicated hardware for faster processing.
Firewalls are widely used to give users secure access to the Internet as well as to separate a company's public Web server from its internal network. Small businesses can prevent most of the problems mentioned above with the use of software firewalls. Some are available free of charge, while others are relatively inexpensive. A good firewall will be able to detect trojans, stop entry by hackers and prevent unauthorised network access. Unfortunately, firewalls are not entirely effective in preventing port scanning.
Securing your own PC
Even without special software, there are several steps you can take to make your home or office PC more secure from outside attacks. The exact steps you will take will depend upon the type of operating system you use, but all operating systems can be made more secure with the correct settings.
Settings which you should check include:
- File sharing - If your PC is not connected to an office network, you don't need the file sharing features in Windows switched on. To learn how to disable these features, search for 'file sharing' in the Windows help system. This is particularly important if your PC is connected to a broadband network.
- Browser security - Web browsers include adjustable security settings to protect your personal information. In Internet Explorer, these can be found under the Tools - Internet Options - Security menu.
Further information
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AusCERT (
www.auscert.org.au ) a single, trusted point of contact in Australia for the Internet community to deal with computer security incidents and their prevention, is a useful source of information on security threats, and provides businesses and consumers with early warnings and security alerts.
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Standards Australia (
www.standards.com.au ) can supply a number of publications detailing IT security standards, which can be helpful when you are deciding on a general e-security policy.
Although many of these standards were designed for large corporations, they can also be of enormous benefit to small and medium-size enterprises. Standards Australia's publications offer a guide that individual organisations can pick and choose from.
For more information on security issues, you might like to look at this fact sheet developed by DCITA as part of their publication, Trusting the Internet:
Trusting the Internet - Fact Sheet: How do I manage my e-security when the service is outsourced? (72 kb)
Where to go online for commercial solutions and information:
e-businessguide Case Study - Infocus Securities (31 kb)
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