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 The Firebox itself is a specially designed, fully enclosed machine for running the WatchGuard firewall. It provides up to three network interfaces for 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet. The WatchGuard operating system has been "hardened", a process by which unnecessary and insecure features are removed, eliminating security holes and ensuring reliability
The Security Management System (SMS) software runs on a network connected workstation running Windows NT, Windows 95 or Linux OS. The SMS software provides all of the functions of the firewall including IP blocking, address translation, traffic monitoring and logging, and policy management.
The WatchGuard "point-and-click" approach makes it very easy to install and configure. Configuration information is presented on a service-by service basis, allowing you to setup security even if you don't have extensive knowledge of your network. You add only Internet services you wish to enable, keeping access to a minimum and security to a maximum. The GUI can also be enhanced with the Graphical Monitor option to provide real-time graphical representations of host activity, connection quantities and bandwidth utilization.
WatchGuard automatically warns your operations staff of security-related events occurring at the firewall. It delivers these messages by e-mail, pager, or custom script to almost any device, computer, or program that you use. It can provide detailed logging of every firewall event or simply record events that you designate to be significant. You can test for "holes" and see at-a-glance what visitors to your site can and cannot do.
Firms or educational institutions can also purchase the optional WebBlocker subscription service, automatically providing the ability to permanently block URLS or host sites by address or time of day. Each week automated updating of the WebBlocker database is downloaded via a secure, encrypted Internet connection. |
