User guide

User Guide 1
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to
Network Security
Thank you for your purchase of the WatchGuard® Firebox® X Edge.
This security device helps protect your computer network from threat
and attack.
This chapter gives you basic information about networks and network
security. This information can help you when you configure the Edge.
If you are experienced with computer networks, we recommend that
you go to the subsequent chapter.
Network Security
While the Internet gives you access to an enormous quantity of infor-
mation and business opportunity, it also opens your network to attack-
ers. A good network security policy helps you find and prevent attacks
to your computer or network.
Many people think that their computer holds no important informa-
tion. They do not think that their computer is a target for a hacker.
This is not correct. Your computer is valuable to a hacker, because an
attacker can use it as a platform to attack other computers or networks
or use your account information to send e-mail spam or attacks. Your
identity information is also vulnerable and valuable to hackers.