Network Security Hardware Devices are devices that are specifically designed to protect networks and computers against attacks and intrusions.
These devices are both software and hardware-based. They help protect data, computers, and the network in a manner that is acceptable by the organization or company.
A firewall
Network security hardware devices are also known as network firewalls. A firewall is a network device that is used to control access to a network or computer. It checks all incoming data packets and only allows the ones that are compatible with the system to pass through. Firewalls are usually installed at the entrance point of the network or computer system.
Network security hardware devices have been in existence since the beginning of the internet. Although their protection mechanisms have evolved over time, their primary function has remained much the same. These devices can be software, hardware or a combination of both. Although most network security hardware devices can be installed by an IT professional, it is always advised that you seek professional help from a skilled technician when installing a new one for your business or home use.
Virtual Firewall
A virtual firewall is a type of firewall used to protect business networks by restricting data flow between the Internet and internal computers within an organization’s private network or intranet server which houses sensitive information such as employee databases, financial records, and customer information files.
Features
The virtual firewall filters out viruses, spyware and other malicious programs before they reach your computer’s operating system (OS). Virtual firewalls exist on servers hosted by your Internet service provider (ISP) where they filter all Internet traffic flowing through them on their way to your computer or other devices on your internal network.
Another option is to install virtual firewalls on individual computers within an organization’s private network through software available from companies like F-Secure Corporation (F-Secure Safe), McAfee Inc., Sophos Plc., Symantec Corporation (Norton Security), Trend Micro Incorporated (Trend Micro Anti-Virus) and Kaspersky Lab (Kaspersky Internet Security).
Virtual firewalls can monitor all incoming traffic from outside sources whether it is coming via e-mail attachments, instant messages or online downloads from sites like social networking sites Facebook and MySpace, file-sharing torrent sites or online shopping sites like Amazon.com and eBay.
Advantages
They can also monitor internal traffic on your private network for suspicious activity. Although each type of virtual firewall works in a slightly different manner, some common features are similar. These include firewall configuration, real-time alerts for suspicious activity, real-time updates for virus updates and Internet Security Providers (ISPs) that provide support for your virtual firewall software.
Virtual firewalls are best used by large businesses with a large number of employees that need to be protected from malicious code at all times. The advantage is that virtual firewalls can be set up to work in conjunction with existing security measures such as firewalls, anti-virus software, intrusion detection systems (IDSs), and intrusion prevention systems (IPSs). This enables IT, professionals, to create automated responses to detected threats and attacks.
Some disadvantages
Some disadvantages of virtual firewalls include the following: they do not offer complete protection against all types of malicious code; they must be installed on every computer within an organization’s private network; they are intrusive to users because they monitor all incoming data from outside sources; and they can cause major performance issues on networks if not properly configured and maintained.