Firewalls also perform a proxy service by retrieving information from the internet and sending it to the requesting system.

Another modern method used by firewalls is 'Stateful inspection.' The entire contents of the data packet are not examined; instead certain key parts of it are compared to a database. If the comparison matches reasonably, the data is allowed to pass. Such protection offered by the firewall protects the computer from certain types of threat.

Types of Threat Firewall Can Protect From

Such protection offered by the firewall is effective in protecting the system against computer worms transmitted over the internet. (Computer worms, unlike viruses, are self-contained.) However, firewalls only protect the computer against that for which it is designed. For example, it is not possible to predict all the bugs the software may have.

In some situations, the firewall simply proves ineffective for all the communication does not pass through it. It cannot offer protection against viruses that spread through email. Finally, no firewall can ever protect the system from the mistakes committed by ignorant users. For example, if an ignorant user opens a mail attachment from an unknown sender, they afflict the computer with virus. Though a firewall is not effective in every situation, it is a necessity in business enterprises for it entails peace of mind enabling the entrepreneur to concentrate on business development.

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