Loading...

What is a firewall?

Firewalls are software programs or hardware devices that filter and examine the information coming through your Internet connection. They represent a first line of defense because they can stop a malicious program or attacker from gaining access to your network and information before any potential damage is done.

But there’s more than one type of firewall out there. It’s important to understand the difference between hardware firewalls and software firewalls to best protect yourself at home and on the go.

Hardware Firewall

What is a hardware firewall?

 

Hardware firewalls are included with some routers and require little to no configuration, since they are built into your hardware. These firewalls monitor traffic to all the computers and devices that are connected to that router’s network, meaning you can filter access to all of them with just one piece of equipment.

Hardware firewalls provide essential security for the Internet of Things (IoT), like smart thermostats and smart light bulbs. These new devices often come with weak security features, which can leave your network vulnerable, but a hardware firewall helps prevent this lapse in security.

To set up your hardware firewall, use the hardware firewall that is built into your home router or gateway. Consult the manual that came with your router, or do a quick online search to find steps to walk you through the setup.

However, hardware firewalls only protect you at home, so if you take your computer to a café or use your device on-the-go, you’ll need to look into a software firewall to help keep it protected.

What is a software firewall?

Software firewalls help keep you protected on the go. They run as a program on your computer or other devices and closely watch network traffic to help intercept malicious programs before they reach your computer.

Firewall Protection

What firewall protection should I use?

 

We recommend firewall protection from McAfee® Total Protection. This program allows you to safeguard your devices and block hackers from accessing your home network system. It includes a two-way firewall that filters both incoming and outgoing traffic, as well as protection for all your devices, your identity and your data, protecting you at home and on the go.

While firewall protection is a great first-line defense, it’s also a good idea to follow these top tips for protecting your data and devices:

  • Don’t click on links or open attachments from people you don’t know. You could unknowingly be giving them access to your device.
  • Know that each new internet-connected device you bring into your home is a potential avenue of attack. Make sure to reset any default passwords, and keep those devices current with the latest manufacturer updates.

By finding and installing the right firewall protection for you and your family, and following the tips above, you’ll be one step closer to keeping your data and devices secure.

* Important Terms and Offer Details:

 Subscription, Pricing, and Automatic Renewal Terms: 

 Subscription, Pricing, and Automatic Renewal Terms:

  • The amount you are charged upon purchase is the price of the first term of your subscription. The length of your first term depends on your purchase selection (e.g. 1 month or 1 year).  Once your first term is expired, your subscription will be automatically renewed on an annual basis (with the exception of monthly subscriptions, which will renew monthly) and you will be charged the renewal term subscription price in effect at the time of your renewal, until you cancel.
  • Unless otherwise stated, if a savings amount is shown, it describes the difference between the first term and renewal term subscription prices (e.g., first year price vs. each year thereafter).
  • Pricing is subject to change. If the renewal price changes, we will notify you in advance so you always know what’s going on.
  • You can cancel your subscription or change your automatic renewal settings any time after purchase from your My Account page. To learn more about automatic renewal, click here
  • You may request a refund by contacting Customer Support within 30 days of initial purchase or within 60 days of automatic renewal (for 1 year or longer terms)
  • Your subscription is subject to our License Agreement and Privacy Notice. Subscriptions covering "all" devices are limited to supported devices that you own. Product features may be added, changed or removed during the subscription term.  Not all features may be available on all devices.  See System Requirements for additional information.

 Virus Protection Pledge Terms:

 Virus Protection Pledge Terms:

  • To be eligible for VPP you must be actively enrolled in our auto-renewal service with a qualifying product installed.  If we cannot remove a virus from a device we support (see VPP System Requirements), we’ll refund—for the current term of your subscription—the actual amount you paid for the qualifying product, or the value of the qualifying product if it was included in a bundle (see terms of service for details), less any discounts, rebates, refunds, shipping, handling or taxes.  The refund does not apply to any damage or loss caused by a virus—we strongly recommend that you always backup your data to prevent data loss. Refer to our terms of service for details: mcafee.com/pledge.


Corporate Headquarters
6220 America Center Drive
San Jose, CA 95002 USA


   Indonesia / English Copyright © 2023 McAfee, LLC

Copyright © 2023 McAfee, LLC