For many, security is like going to the dentist--you have to deal with it, but that doesn't mean you have to go willingly, or like it once you get there. One of the main problems with IT security, though, comes down to money. While new servers or PCs can be justified as an investment, security is seen simply as an expense and a headache. But, what if you could protect your network and your PCs without breaking the bank?
Well, General Motors and JP Morgan Chase Bank may not be able to do it on the cheap, for obvious reasons, but small and medium businesses--as well as individuals--have a variety of open-source tools and free software available to keep PCs and networks safe on a shoestring budget.

Protect the Perimeter

A firewall is a de facto requirement for any network security implementation. The firewall is the gatekeeper of the network--blocking unauthorized traffic from entering your internal network, and restricting the flow of traffic in and out of your network based on the rules you establish. Think of it as locking down the "perimeter" of your home or office network.

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