Host-Based Firewall

What Does Host-Based Firewall Mean?

A host-based firewall is a piece of firewall software that runs on an individual computer or device connected to a network. These types of firewalls are a granular way to protect the individual hosts from viruses and malware, and to control the spread of these harmful infections throughout the network.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Host-Based Firewall

Some companies use host-based firewalls in addition to perimeter-based firewalls in order to enhance internal security. For example, some of the malware attacks that may get past a perimeter firewall can be stopped at the individual device or workstation, using a host-based firewall.

A host-based firewall setup can also be simpler for some users. The host-based firewall can also be configured to the particular computer, where customization can make the firewall more effective.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Cybersecurity Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…