What is a firewall?

A firewall is technology that regulates Internet traffic moving in and out of a network. A firewall can protect your PC or office network from unwanted and unauthorized web traffic by patrolling all incoming and outgoing traffic. Northwestel Managed Firewall allows you to generate outbound traffic and receive corresponding replies, while denying all other inbound traffic, effectively blocking any potential intruder.

Why do I need firewall protection?

You may think that your office computer isn't of interest to intruders, but many hackers don't care who their targets are - they just want to break into as many computers as possible. If they do, hackers could:

• obtain access to your personal confidential information
• use your computer to generate spam email
• infect your computer or office network with viruses
• launch attacks that jam your connections and prevent you from using your computer

Even if a hacker invasion doesn't do any harm, you can lose valuable time verifying if damage has been done. Northwestel Managed Firewall offers security and peace of mind.

How does Managed Firewall work?

Northwestel Managed Firewall uses Nortel's Shasta Broadband Service Node 5000 to provide 'stateful packet inspection' of your data traffic. Also referred to as 'dynamic packet filtering', stateful packet inspection is a type of firewall that works at the network level. Filtering decisions are based on administrator-defined rules, as in 'static packet filtering', and also on the context established by the packets that are let through the firewall. This happens when connections are opened from inside the network or when services are explicitly requested by the user.

Can I check the activity of Managed Firewall on my computer?

No. As an end-user, you can't check on your firewall's performance because the firewall is 'upstream' of your High Speed connection and computer/office network. Managed Firewall captures unwanted files and filters them on Northwestel's network before they reach you. Northwestel has qualified technicians in our Network Operation Control Centre (NOCC) who monitor firewall performance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What happens if an intruder tries to break into my network?

If Northwestel Managed Firewall detects a data packet that is not permitted, the packet will simply be blocked (at Northwestel's server) from being sent any further through your High Speed connection, eliminating any potential threat to your computer or network.

What protocols does Managed Firewall support?

Northwestel Managed Firewall supports all standard protocols and recognizes UDP ports like Telnet and HTTP, as well as dynamic ports like FTP, audio and video streaming.

Is Northwestel liable if there are intrusions to my network?

Northwestel High Speed Managed Firewall provides the highest level of protection available because it is certified by the ICSA (International Computer Security Association), the industry firewall certification authority. However, no firewall can provide 100 per cent protection for your network. Northwestel cannot control, manage and monitor every aspect of your network and therefore cannot be held legally responsible for any intrusions, should they occur.

Do hackers know whether or not I have a firewall?

Managed Firewall is not easily visible to outside users because the program does not send error messages to those attempting to access your computer without permission. This feature provides you with added protection.

Will Managed Firewall prevent users from accessing certain websites?

No. Managed Firewall does not filter or restrict content or prevent users from going to certain websites.