Firewalls and network protection in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a firewall in computer networking?

A firewall is like a security guard for your computer network. It watches the data coming in and going out and decides what is safe to allow and what should be blocked to protect your system.

beginner

Name two types of firewalls.

Two common types of firewalls are:<br>1. Hardware firewall - a physical device that protects a network.<br>2. Software firewall - a program installed on a computer to protect it.

intermediate

How does a firewall decide which data to allow or block?

A firewall uses rules or filters, like a checklist, to check data packets. If the data matches the rules for safe traffic, it is allowed; if not, it is blocked.

beginner

What is the difference between inbound and outbound traffic in network protection?

Inbound traffic is data coming into your network from outside, like emails or website requests.<br>Outbound traffic is data leaving your network to the internet, like sending emails or browsing websites.<br>Firewalls monitor both to keep your network safe.

beginner

Why is network protection important?

Network protection stops hackers, viruses, and unwanted users from accessing your devices and data. It keeps your information safe and your devices working properly.

What is the main purpose of a firewall?

A To create a wireless network

B To speed up internet connection

C To store data securely

D To block unauthorized access and allow safe data

A firewall acts as a gatekeeper, blocking unsafe data and allowing safe data to protect the network.

Which of these is NOT a type of firewall?

A Hardware firewall

B Physical firewall

C Cloud firewall

D Software firewall

Physical firewall is not a type of network firewall; hardware, software, and cloud firewalls are common types.

Inbound traffic refers to data that is:

A Coming into your network from outside

B Sent from your network to the internet

C Stored on your computer

D Blocked by antivirus

Inbound traffic is data coming into your network from outside sources.

A firewall uses ______ to decide if data should be allowed or blocked.

A Random guessing

B User passwords

C Rules or filters

D Internet speed

Firewalls use rules or filters to check data packets and decide whether to allow or block them.

Why is network protection important?

A To prevent unauthorized access and keep data safe

B To increase storage space

C To make your computer faster

D To connect more devices

Network protection prevents hackers and viruses from accessing your data and devices.

Explain what a firewall does using a real-life analogy.

Think about how a guard checks who can enter a building.

Describe the difference between inbound and outbound traffic and why a firewall monitors both.

Consider mail coming to your house and mail you send out.