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Personal Firewalls

ITSS is currently evaluating firewall packages for on-campus computers. However, if you connect to the network through a cable modem or DSL, you may wish to install a personal firewall. "Always on" connections such as these are highly targeted by malicious users on the Internet. Several firewall packages to check are:

• Macintosh
  • IPNetRouter from Sustainable Softworks
  • DoorStop from Open Door Networks
  • NetBarrier from Intego
• Windows
  • ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs
  • Black ICE from Network ICE Corporation
  • Norton Personal Firewall from Symantec

Additional resources

• Firewall Forensics (What am I seeing?) - Explains what you see in firewall logs, especially what port numbers means. You can use this information to help figure out what hackers/worms are up to.
• Cerias: Firewalls - Comprehensive list of resources associated with Internet firewalls.