PC Firewalls are generally software programs designed to protect an individual host (workstation or laptop) computer while connected to the Internet. These desktop or "personal" firewalls accomplish this by examining the data stream (individual data packets),and denying access to suspicious incoming and outgoing traffic. Some even allow for the configuration to block specific application from accessing the corporate network or the Internet totally. As the number telecommuters and broadband (DSL & Cable) connections continue to increase, these programs will become more and more important in providing 'end point' security to corporations and consumers alike.
PC Firewall Certification Program
As a security product category, PC Firewalls, also known as "Personal" or "Desktop" Firewalls were practically insignificant a year ago. However, that has changed. PC Firewalls have become a "must have" for anyone intent on maintaining end point security while on a persistent connection, telecommuting, and for remote/traveling employees.
The objective of ICSA Labs' PC Firewall Certification Program is to make available to the user community a selection of products that provide the following security services:
- support networking capabilities while providing end point protection
- support concurrent dial-up and LAN connectivity
- block common external network attacks
- restrict outgoing network communications
- maintain consistent protection across multiple successive dial-up connections
- log events in a consistent and useful manner
