Don t Forget About Firewalls

Don't Forget About Firewalls

Last, but not least, for this chapter is a quick reminder that a firewall is a necessity for connecting a LAN or larger network to the Internet today. A firewall can serve to prevent the spread of all sorts of trouble that can be perpetuated on the Internet using freely available tools and script files that even high-school kids can download and use to wreak havoc on the network that becomes their target. Using a "demilitarized zone" with a firewall can allow you to provide access to users outside of your network, as well as access by users inside your network. The benefit is that the servers are placed between two firewalls, and access to these types of servers is done on a controlled basis.

Chapter 45 should be considered required reading material for any network administrator who cares about security, whether it be a large network or a small office network. Firewall technology can be simple (but easily hacked), or it can be a full-time job for several people in a large network. Justify the cost by comparing what it will cost you if your data is changed, obtained by a third party, or just hacked by some person on the Internet who gets his kicks out of causing you problems!