
Build a Custom Firewall Computer #81
Chapter 9, Administration and Automation
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HACK
HACK
#81
Build a Custom Firewall Computer Hack #81
Turn an old, underpowered computer into a lean, mean, firewall machine.
As more and more computers are getting plugged into the Internet, the risk
factor associated with an online presence has also risen. The increase in
hours online combined with the propagation of always-on broadband and
high-speed cable/DSL Internet access has resulted in the need to secure even
simple, one-computer home networks. As a result, the humble firewall has
become a must-have item as opposed to a could-have item in a network.
The basic aim of a firewall is to keep unwanted people off of your network.
The virtual wall of fire is essential in keeping out crackers who want to
invade your security, as well as blocking the growing armies of worms,
viruses, and other Internet nasties that crawl the Web looking for comput-
ers to exploit. The situation is very bad; an unprotected Windows machine
can become infected in as little as four minutes after it is put on the Inter-
net. If you are considering a firewall but are uncertain you want to put the
effort into it, ask a friend who has one for a list of attempted intrusions on
his network. You will probably be surprised by the frequency of attacks. My
own firewall logged more than 100 attempted intrusions in the first few
hours after I put it ...