Hubbard Computer Services

SmoothWall

There are two different kinds of firewalls:

• A software firewall like the one now included with Windows
• A dedicated hardware firewall usually running a Linux based operating system

Routers sometimes have some firewalling functionality built-in and we advocate their use over just a simple broadband modem. However, this will not be as comprehensive an implementation as a dedicated firewall and is therefore more susceptible to compromise.

 

Any firewall will only offer a defence as strong as the underlying operating system allows. We all have experience of loading security patches into Windows systems and so this automatically excludes software firewalls running under Windows as a viable option.

 

SmoothWall Express is an open source firewall distribution based on the GNU/Linux operating system. Linux is the ideal choice for security systems. It is well proven, secure, highly configurable and freely available as open source code, (under the GPL). SmoothWall Express includes a hardened subset of the GNU/Linux operating system, so there is no separate OS to install. Designed for ease of use, SmoothWall is configured via a web-based GUI.

 

By default, SmoothWall Express allows both a LAN and optionally a DMZ to be configured. The LAN is where all your fully protected workstations and servers are connected. The DMZ is where servers are placed that are to be made accessible from the internet. If a machine in the DMZ is compromised then the hacker is unable to proceed beyond the DMZ into your protected LAN.

 

A standard Smoothwall Express installation can be enhanced with additional features through add-ons and modifications generously donated by members of the open source community.

 

SmoothWall Express is only part of a security solution. There is little point in having the most impenetrable front door in the world yet the back door is left wide open. Security is a specialist area where experience, knowing what to look for, understanding how hackers and crackers operate, being up to date with the latest security threats, and so on, are all important if you are to remain secure.

 

Hubbard Computer Services have successfully implemented SmoothWall Express for companies in both standard and modified configurations. We continue to support our clients in order to ensure that their protection is kept up to date. Please contact us for more information.