A firewall is essentially a network security software that inspects and focuses purely on the network that it has been placed across. The firewall is like a sort of a guard station on your computer's gateway, making sure that you and your computer are protected from some of the more nefarious elements of the digital superhighway. Normally found on internal networks and the internet, the basic task of this element of network security is to regulate the flow of information to and from your computer.
It has a double element of service, meaning that not only does it work to prevent these black hat elements like malware and viruses from infiltrating your computer, it also blocks an already infected computer to 'hack' into a net work or even spread its internal viruses to other people within the network. A firewall is usually highly configurable and works on a basic set of rules that you give it. Most firewalls have an extensive options menu which you can use to customise to your needs. This article will discuss spam and how firewalls hold up against them - and also why in the day, you will still need a filter to clear your inbox from junk mail. While firewalls are great in stopping viruses and malware from entering your computer, it is does not specifically specialise in spam and junk mail.
The reason why sometimes firewalls are not effective against spam is simply because emails are routed to a server, usually a POP3 server, which sometimes by passes the firewall built into your computer. Even if you have a modem firewall, it might not be totally effective. It scans for bad applications, proxies, shady i.p and even packets of information recognised as hacking attempts by other external sources. The vast disparity between emails and the technological backing behind spam is so great and varied, it is simply impossible to get rid of the spam problem using a firewall alone. This is why you need a specialised device, bespoke for spam and junk mail filtering to support the fire wall and even the anti virus programme that you are running on your PC.
Just think of the firewall and the anti-virus as the front 2 line defences against the bad elements of the internet. Most of the time, viruses, malware, adware, worms and Trojans are detected on entry, but spam and junk mails represent the more stealthy 'ninja' like entities that work hard to choke your email server and clog up your inbox with worthless mass marketing efforts. A filter is a specialised piece of software that can route and delete them on detection; as well as a highly customisable and flexible piece of programming that ensures only your important emails get through and the junk mails stay where they belong. Filters can also log bad i.ps, addresses and place black lists on your email servers, ensuring you will be free of them forever.
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