Computer Modem Routers Open to Attacks in Australia is on the Rise!
A recent study by the Australian National University found that over 40% of modem routers in Australia are open to attacks. This means that these routers are vulnerable to being hacked and used to launch ransomware attacks on other networks.

Routers Open to Attacks in Australia
The study found that the most common type of vulnerability in routers is a misconfiguration. This means that the router is not properly configured to protect itself from attack. Other common vulnerabilities include outdated firmware and weak passwords.
History of Computer Firewalls
The first computer firewalls were developed in the late 1980s in response to the growing threat of cyberattacks. These early firewalls were simple packet filtering devices that allowed or denied traffic based on a set of rules.
Over time, firewalls have become more sophisticated, incorporating features such as stateful inspection, application layer inspection, and intrusion prevention. Stateful inspection allows firewalls to track the state of connections, which helps to prevent attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in the TCP/IP protocol. Application layer inspection allows firewalls to inspect the contents of network traffic, which helps to block malicious traffic such as malware and spam. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) use signatures to identify and block known attack traffic.
How Firewalls Work
Firewalls work by filtering network traffic. They examine each packet of data that enters or leaves a network and decide whether to allow or deny it based on a set of rules. These rules can be based on a variety of factors, such as the source and destination IP addresses, the port number, and the type of traffic.
There are two main types of firewalls:
- Packet filtering firewalls: These firewalls examine the headers of network packets to determine whether to allow or deny them.
- Application layer firewalls: These firewalls examine the contents of network packets to determine whether to allow or deny them.
Highly Organised Hacking Syndicates
In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of highly organised hacking syndicates. These syndicates are often well-funded and have a sophisticated understanding of hacking techniques.
These syndicates are often involved in cybercrime activities such as data theft, ransomware attacks, and financial fraud. They can also be used to launch political attacks or disrupt critical infrastructure.
Best Hardware Firewalls on the Market
There are a number of different hardware firewalls on the market. Some of the best include:

Sophos UTM
Sophos UTM: This firewall is a comprehensive security solution that offers a wide range of features, including stateful inspection, application layer inspection, and intrusion prevention.
WatchGuard Firebox: This firewall is known for its ease of use and its wide range of security features.

ESET PROTECT Gateway
ESET PROTECT Gateway: This firewall is a cloud-managed solution that offers a high level of security and scalability.
Contact the Original PC Doctor
If you are looking for a firewall for your business, the Original PC Doctor can help. We are official partners with Sophos, WatchGuard, and ESET, and we can help you choose the right firewall for your needs.
We also offer a range of other IT security services, such as managed security, penetration testing, and disaster recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your business from cyberattacks.
Conclusion
Computer firewalls are an essential part of network security. They help to protect networks from unauthorised access, data theft, and other cyberattacks. There are a number of different types of firewalls available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The best firewall for a particular network will depend on the specific needs of that network.
If you are looking for a firewall for your home or business, the Original PC Doctor can help. We can assess your needs and recommend the right firewall for your home or business. We also offer a range of other IT security services, such as managed security, penetration testing, and disaster recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your home or business from cyberattacks.
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Content Created on 19/05/2024 by
John Pititto
Managing Director
The Original PC Doctor