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Securing Your Internet Connection: Hardware Firewall Security

I know that the point of this whole "speed up my PC" thing isn't to add stuff that's going to slow down your PC, but without an hardware firewall to secure your internet connection, your PC's security is definately at risk.

If you use a dial up internet connection, you won't be able to put this type of tool into action, but I'd recommend reading this section anyway, in case you ever decide to switch to a cable, ADSL or DSL 24/7 internet connection.

If your computer is connected to the internet 24/7, it is crucial that you have an internet hardware firewall.  The purpose of a hardware internet firewall tools is to prevent uninvited guests from getting access to your PC.  Without such tools you're definately leaving yourself open to intrusion.  These are an absolute must.

I'm sure your next question is why? Well, because without a hardware firewall, hackers can simply access your computer and will eventually find their way onto your computer.  You'd be surprised just how many times per day your computer is being hit by applications attempting to do just that. 

Without a firewall, your computer's ports are OPEN.  With a standard hardware firewall, your ports appear CLOSED.  With a stealth firewall, which is the best type of firewalls available, your ports DO NOT appear at all.  The following example may help to explain the difference, and why STEALTH is important.

Your connection to the Internet can be attributed to a stranger (possibly a salesperson) that comes knocking at your door.  You either open the door; leave the door closed, but talk to them through the door; or you pretend that you're not home. 

What is STEALTH Firewall Security?

The first option, opening the door would be surmount to an open port, which any hacker can get into.  The second option, talking to the stranger through the door would be surmount to a closed port.  But the hacker knows you're there, so he might come back and try again later.  The third option, to a hacker at least, is surmount to their being no PC at all.  Thus, the third option is the best.  The third option is what we call stealth mode.

The most common form of Internet hardware firewall available to consumers is the Broadband Router.  The wireless variety is probably one of the hotest sellers out there.  The wireless part only comes into play if you plan to connect using a wireless network connection; such as is offered with most laptops these days.  As such, most vendors now only offer wireless broadband routers  because the cost as compared to a regular (non-wireless) router are nominal.

The way to tell if you have a broadband router is to look at the connection coming from your cable, ADSL or DSL modem (this is the box your internet provider installed for you that connects to either your cable or phone outlet).  One of the cables coming out of the back of the modem is labelled WAN and this cable either connects to your computer directly (which means you DO NOT have a broadband router), or it connects to another box that looks similar to your modem. 

If you don't already have a broadband router, it's essential that you put the wheels in motion and get one.  Get yourself a D-LINK 625 Wireless-N Broadband Router from Amazon.com.  This is the router that I use.  It's very easy to install and if you have problems setting it up you can contact me and I'll be glad to help you out. Better yet, sign up for my newletter, as I'll be adding a video very shortly, exclusive to members, that details EXACTLY how to install and configure the router. 

Oh, and by the way, once you've ordered your router, please continue reading on.  I don't recommend you wait around for your router to arrive before you continue on to the next section, as it could be a few days or so.

Oh, and once you do have your hardware router installed, you can perform a simple test to see if your hardware router firewall is running in stealth mode.  You can use the following internet security test to check your "STEALTHINESS". 

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