
Your computer splits the document into tiny pieces called packets which are then sent one at a time to your colleagues computer. How does a firewall work?īefore you can properly understand why firewalls matter, you first need to understand a tiny bit about how data is sent between computers. Any unauthorised access attempt is blocked automatically. The firewall acts like a bouncer at the entrance to the network, checking the identification of everyone who tries to enter. There was even a 2006 Hollywood movie of the same name starring Harrison Ford, Paul Bettany and Virginia Madsen.īut what is a firewall, and why do they matter? Keeping the bad guys outĪt the most basic level, a firewall is a system that prevents unauthorised access to a network. You’ve probably heard the word “firewall” a few times in recent years.
