Firewalls are known as security software, but some may disable them for convenience or consider doing so.

However, disabling your firewall is dangerous and involves significant risks. Unknowingly disabling it can lead to various damages, resulting in substantial losses for your company or yourself.

This article explains the dangers and potential risks of disabling your firewall. Use this information to understand the risks associated with disabling your firewall.

Table of Contents

1. What is a Firewall? Types of Firewalls
   1. Packet Filtering
   2. Gateway
   3. Circuit-Level Gateway
2. Reasons Why Disabling Your Firewall is Not Recommended
3. Risks of Disabling Your Firewall
   1. Increased Vulnerability to Unauthorized Access
   2. Computer Hijacking
   3. Information Tampering
4. When Disabling Your Firewall Might Be Necessary
5. Firewalls Alone Are Not Sufficient for Security Measures
6. Summary

1. What is a Firewall? Types of Firewalls

A firewall is a security system that acts as a filter for network communications.

It protects internal networks and computers from various dangers, such as unauthorized access and malware infections from external networks.

The decision to allow or deny communication from external networks is based on the source and destination information of the communication.

Firewalls are further divided into types, each with its own characteristics.

1-1. Packet Filtering

Packet filtering firewalls monitor packets divided by IP. Based on defined rules, they analyze each packet to determine if it is safe and allow communication.

If communication violates the rules, it is rejected, preventing external threats.

Packet filtering can be further divided into three types:

① Static Packet Filtering

Static packet filtering refers to the packet header (data source, destination, etc.) to determine access permissions.

Due to its simple filtering mechanism, it can process data quickly, but it cannot identify disguised packets, which is a disadvantage.

② Dynamic Packet Filtering

Dynamic packet filtering opens port numbers only during communication between a client and a server.

Because it closes ports when not needed, it prevents unauthorized access by third parties.

③ Stateful Packet Inspection

Stateful packet inspection determines the threat of packet communication from the context. It recognizes whether packets are sent in a legitimate procedure from past communication records and prevents unauthorized access.

While more robust than static packet filtering, it requires more management and is vulnerable to DoS attacks that intentionally impose excessive loads.

1-2. Gateway

Gateways monitor external communication by interposing between the external network and internal computers.

They can analyze packet details, allowing them to detect and reject disguised packets.

With higher robustness and versatility than packet filtering, they are often used as entry point measures to prevent malware and unauthorized access.

1-3. Circuit-Level Gateway

Circuit-level gateways are a type of firewall with port specification and control added to packet filtering.

Detailed settings allow communication control for each application, software, and system.

2. Reasons Why Disabling Your Firewall is Not Recommended

Frankly, you should not disable your firewall unless absolutely necessary. As mentioned above, firewalls filter threats from external communications.

Disabling your firewall is like being thrown into the ocean with sharks around you. It exposes your computer to such danger that you should generally avoid disabling it.

3. Risks of Disabling Your Firewall

Disabling your firewall can lead to various risks. Let’s examine the specific dangers and risks involved.

3-1. Increased Vulnerability to Unauthorized Access

Without a firewall, external communication is sent to internal computers regardless of whether it is a threat, making them more vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Unauthorized access can expose confidential and personal information inside your computer, leading to significant damage.

3-2. Computer Hijacking

If a computer password is stolen through unauthorized access, it is highly likely that a third party will hijack the computer.

If a computer is hijacked, it can be used for illegal activities and fraud, and internal information can be stolen by turning on the camera and microphone.

3-3. Information Tampering

If personal information is stolen, it becomes easy to tamper with the information, leading to various abuses. For example, if customer credit card information is stolen, it can lead to fraudulent use, compensation, and a decline in credibility.

Disabling your firewall without a purpose or reason carries significant risks, not only for your company but also for your customers.

4. When Disabling Your Firewall Might Be Necessary

You should keep your firewall enabled as much as possible, but there are times when disabling it is necessary. This is when installing software that is rejected by the firewall.

Assuming it is trustworthy software, some software may be rejected by the firewall. In this case, temporarily disable the firewall, and re-enable it after installation.

5. Firewalls Alone Are Not Sufficient for Security Measures

Enabling your firewall does not guarantee sufficient security measures. This is because the firewall’s primary defense target is unauthorized access from the outside, and it is insufficient for malware protection against viruses and spyware.

With detailed settings, malware protection is not impossible, but it requires specialized knowledge.

Considering the above, introducing security software is the most effective solution.

By introducing security software, you can protect against threats from external networks even while the firewall is disabled. It can also cover areas outside the firewall’s defense range, enabling broader security measures.

Take strict measures with a firewall + security software.

Summary

This article explained the dangers and risks of disabling your firewall. Disabling your firewall is generally not recommended and should only be done at specific times.

We also touched on the types of firewalls, which should give you a better understanding of the defense range. In summary, firewalls alone are not sufficient for security, so introducing security software is recommended for more stringent measures.

Use your firewall correctly and strengthen your security to protect yourself from external threats.

Please contact us at globalsupport@jiran.com for further assistance.