Firewalls at ATSU

What is a firewall?

A firewall is a barrier that keeps “the bad guys” out of a network or computer by following a set of rules to filter the information entering and exiting a network, or computer, allowing or denying access to each specific request. Like the physical wall that is used to keep destructive fires from spreading from one area to the next, an electronic firewall keeps unauthorized users like hackers from spreading their destructive material onto your network or computer.

Why are firewalls used?

Firewalls are used to keep a network or computer secure. A firewall does this by carefully inspecting each piece of information passing into and out of the network, filtering it based on a specific set of rules. These rules tell the firewall whether to reject or approve access to the network or computer, keeping out unauthorized users who may want to corrupt the information stored behind the firewall.

Why do you need a firewall?

The Internet is like any society. Bad things that would like to corrupt or destroy your computer are out roaming the information highway. Firewalls insure that your valuable information is protected from unauthorized users. Firewalls act as a security system, helping to prevent dangers like identity theft, and research theft, and denying hackers from corrupting or gaining access to your computer.

Firewalls at ATSU

One of the ITS priorities for the University is to provide and maintain a safe and secure computing environment. ATSU provides a multi-layer firewall system to protect users from spyware, malware and infected sites. For your security, ports on the University firewall will be opened only for essential University business and not for non-academic or non-essential use.

Personal firewalls

A personal firewall is another way to protect your computer. You may not be aware of it, but your computer is listening on a large number of ports. These ports are affiliated with specific services that your computer either uses or provides. Computer operating systems generally contain a firewall. To keep your computer safe you need to run operating system updates and service pack updates on your computer when prompted.