Tulemüüre

Tulemüüre, also known as firewalls, are a fundamental component of network security. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. The primary function of a firewall is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By examining data packets, firewalls can permit or deny access to specific services and resources.

There are several types of firewalls, each with different methods of operation. Packet-filtering firewalls examine individual packets and decide whether to allow or block them based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols. Stateful inspection firewalls go a step further by tracking the state of active network connections, allowing them to make more informed decisions about packet filtering. Proxy firewalls act as intermediaries between internal and external networks, inspecting traffic at the application layer and providing an additional layer of security. Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) combine traditional firewall capabilities with advanced features like intrusion prevention systems (IPS), deep packet inspection (DPI), and application awareness.

Firewalls are essential for protecting networks from a wide range of threats, including unauthorized access, malware, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. They are typically implemented as hardware appliances or software applications and are a crucial part of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Regular configuration and updates are necessary to ensure their effectiveness against evolving threats.