Even in terms of outgoing data, a firewall is helpful in practice it can prevent a PC identified with malware from sending data to other computers in the network. The firewall is an extra system between the PC and the Internet/network.Īdditionally, the firewall prevents other aspects, such as the transmission of unauthorised data packets, like harmful “worms”.

In contrast, the firewall monitors connections and outgoing and incoming data within the network. In that case, we will realise that the antivirus’ job is to identify and isolate harmful programmes.

Suppose we are to examine both firewall and antivirus. It checks the continuous data traffic and restricts unauthorised network access from the outside based on defined rules.Ī firewall is a supplementary security system nevertheless, it cannot be confused with antivirus software on a PC. The firewall’s first task is to compare the sender and destination addresses and check the services used. Every firewall is a software component that evaluates a specific system’s incoming and outgoing data. Which is better, software firewalls or hardware firewalls? Which one do you need? But first, what is a firewall? In computer language, a firewall is a digital defence system protecting computers and networks from unauthorised access.

Hardware firewall