Security Failures of the Built-In Windows Firewall

When you think of a firewall you think of security. Monitoring of inbound AND outbound connections for malicious threats, stopping any harmful ties to your system and protection of personal information are legitimate expectations for a good one, though Microsoft appears to be far from meeting these any time soon.

Available within Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2, Microsoft's Firewall is millions of PC user's security. It seems reliable for protection from malicious viruses and hackers, but the truth is the free Firewall is only reliable for monitoring inbound connections for malicious attacks.

Malware has more ways to make its way onto your system than an internet connection. DVD's, CD's, USB connections, software installations and other such sources are outgoing connections that demand reliable malware protection from your firewall.The Windows Firewall default settings are open and recommended to allow all outbound connections by "allowing connections except when expected." In the defalut configuration, there are no outbound 'block' rules. The outbound protection is on but sets up home users for a failed security because it is not doing anything. Allowing outbound connections is allowing cyber theives to spread your personal data, or use your computer as a part of a larger botnet, or just bombard your machine with spam.

Putting your trust in Windows Firewall is hazardous for home users and their machines. The Windows Firewall is providing minimal defense from attack.

Try the Sunbelt Personal Firewall for a firewall protection from malware, protection that will monitor inbound AND outbound connections that is dependable.