WHAT IS A FIREWALL?
Discover how your computer filters out threats while allowing you access to everything you want to look at online
WORDS JACK PARSONS
You can use a separate computer or buy a dedicated device to use as a physical firewall
The internet connects you to the world. You can use it to communicate with 4.9 billion people worldwide, accessing more knowledge than at any other time in history. The downside is that everybody also has access to you. This includes hackers and viruses that want to steal your data, take control of your computer or even destroy it. To stop this from happening, a firewall controls the data flowing between your computer and the internet. Think of this as a border guard checking your passport when you go on holiday. A firewall inspects data to make sure it has the right permissions. If it does, it can pass through. If it doesn’t, it’s instantly blocked.