FIREWALL

firewall is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices that is configured to permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and other criteria.
Firewalls can be implemented in either hardware or software, or a combination of both. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which inspects each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria.

                                                                                                                       --From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia--

assignment #1

QUESTION:
    WHY HAS THERE BEEN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPUTER RELATED SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT YEARS?
ANSWER: because the security of information technology is of utmost importance. 

QUESTION:
   WHAT ARE SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON COMPUTER CRIMINALS INCLUDING THEIR OBJECTIVES.
 ANSWER: They are well funded and well trained, they have knowledge in systems and passwords. The common objectives of computer criminals are to steal data, make money, gain publicity, and corrupt systems.

QUESTION:
   WHAT ACTION MUST BE TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO A SECURITY INCIDENTS?
ANSWER:
               To successfully respond to incidents, you need to:

• Minimize the number and severity of security incidents.
• Assemble the core Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).
• Define an incident response plan.
• Contain the damage and minimize risks.

           -- from Incident Response: Investigating Computer Crime by Chris Prosise and Kevin Mandia   (McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, ISBN: 00723829).--