User Guide 11Introduction to Network SecurityThank you for your purchase of the WatchGuard® Firebox® X Edge e-Series. This security device helpsprotect your computer network from threat and attack.This chapter gives you basic information about networks and network security. This information canhelp you when you configure the Firebox X Edge. If you are experienced with computer networks, werecommend that you go to the subsequent chapter.Network SecurityAlthough the Internet gives you access to a large quantity of information and business opportunity, italso opens your network to attackers. A good network security policy helps you find and preventattacks to your computer or network.Attacks are costly. Computers may need to be repaired or replaced. Employee time and resources areused to fix problems created by attacks. Valuable information can be taken from the network.Many people think that their computer holds no important information. They do not think that theircomputer is a target for a hacker. This is not correct. A hacker can use your computer as a platform toattack other computers or networks or use your account information to send email spam or attacks.Your personal information and account information is also vulnerable and valuable to hackers.About NetworksA network is a group of computers and other devices that are connected to each other. It can be twocomputers that you connect with a serial cable, or many computers around the world connectedthrough the Internet. Computers on the same network can work together and share data.A LAN (Local Area Network) is a connected group of computers that use the same method of communi-cation to share data.A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a connected group of computers that can be far apart in different loca-tions.
